Manila: The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is urging couples and parents to openly talk about family planning and reproductive health, amid a rise in the number of young mothers. In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, CPD Information Management and Communications chief Mylin Mirasol Quiray emphasized the importance of bridging the communication gap regarding reproductive health, noting that just over 10 percent of Filipino parents discuss sex with their adolescent children.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CPD is closely monitoring the concerning trend among Filipino girls, particularly the increase in the number of young adolescent mothers under 15 years old. Mylin Mirasol Quiray highlighted a significant case from 2023 where an eight-year-old girl gave birth, underscoring the critical need for open discussions on this topic.
Philippine Statistics Authority data reveal a troubling rise in live births, with 3,343 recorded in 2023 compared to 2,411 in 2022, marking an increase of 6.6 percent. In light of these statistics, Quiray promoted CPD's online resources, such as the website malayaako.ph and the Facebook page I Choose Malaya Akong Maging, which offer valuable information on family planning and reproductive health for both parents and the youth, especially during National Family Planning Month.
This year's theme, 'Pamilyang Planado, Panalo: Tara, Usap Tayo sa Family Planning', aims to encourage discussions that empower families to make informed and responsible choices. Quiray addressed the youth, saying, 'Sa ating mga kabataan, malaya kayong maging kung ano ang nais niyo (To our young people, you are free to be whoever you want to be). You are free to choose who you want to be. Make the right decision.'
Quiray also referenced data from the Department of Health, which shows that more than nine million women utilized family planning in 2024. National Family Planning Month, proclaimed in 1993, is observed every August to raise awareness about responsible parenthood and reproductive health.
