THE COMMISSION on Population and Development said that the pandemic had a deep, negative impact on Filipino adolescents.

Undersecretary for Population and Development Juan Antonio Perez III said that the Philippines has witnessed the health crisis “greatly bearing down” on young people’s sexual and reproductive health.

“These adolescents have no decision-making power, economic independence, autonomy, and are considered by many countries as powerless; they face greater risks of repeat pregnancies, and are vulnerable to gender-based violence as well as intergenerational poverty during, and as a result, of their early childbearing,” he said.

A 2020 study of the University of the Philippines and United Nations Population Fund showed a 42 percent increase in unintended pregnancies, and a 67 percent hike in unmet need for family planning among Filipino women.

“Young people need to have access to safe, trusted and reliable information integrated into services ensuring health, protection and psychosocial support,” Perez said. He explained that isolation and physical distancing measures may limit the capacity of the youth to exercise their rights.

To address these concerns, Popcom will launch a social protection program for adolescents who have become parents, especially the “first-timers” during the pandemic.