DSWD Enhances Counseling Services for Teenage Mothers Amid Rising Cases of Adolescent Pregnancies

Title DSWD Enhances Counseling Services for Teenage Mothers Amid Rising Cases of Adolescent Pregnancies

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taken a significant step in addressing the growing issue of adolescent pregnancies by strengthening its psychosocial interventions for teenage mothers and their families. The initiative, known as ProtecTEEN, aims to provide comprehensive support to these young individuals, empowering them to overcome the challenges they face and become productive members of society.

According to a report presented by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), 142,276 adolescent mothers gave birth in the Philippines in 2023. Although this number is lower than the 150,148 cases recorded in 2022, the CPD reported an alarming increase in the number of very young adolescent mothers under the age of 15.

The DSWD's ProtecTEEN program offers a range of services designed to support these young individuals, including counseling. The initiative focuses on addressing the complex challenges that adolescent mothers face, such as poverty, limited access to education and job opportunities, and inadequate healthcare and social services.

In 2024, ProtecTEEN was expanded to select cities and municipalities across all regions nationwide, serving over 870 adolescent mothers to date. According to Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the program's success is evident in its positive impact on the lives of these young individuals. By providing them with access to counseling, education, and job training, ProtecTEEN empowers adolescent mothers to overcome their current situation and become productive members of society.

The DSWD's commitment to addressing the issue of adolescent pregnancies is reflected in Executive Order 141, series of 2021, which deems the implementation of measures to address the underlying factors of the growing incidence of adolescent pregnancies a national priority.

In conclusion, the DSWD's ProtecTEEN program offers a vital lifeline for teenage mothers and their families, providing access to counseling, education, and job training. By empowering these young individuals to overcome the challenges they face, ProtecTEEN plays a critical role in promoting their rights and well-being, as well as furthering nation-building and development.

Keywords DSWD, ProtecTEEN, adolescent pregnancies, counseling services, psychosocial interventions, Commission on Population and Development, CPD.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.