SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has sponsored the committee report on the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy bill.

In her sponsorship speech, the senator once again stressed the worrying trend of very young girls ages 10-14 getting pregnant.

“The bill seeks to address the issue of adolescent pregnancy through various methods, such as the faithful implementation of comprehensive sexuality education, as well as the delivery of necessary sexual and reproductive information and services to young Filipinos when they need it, when they ask for it, and when they seek it,” Hontiveros said.

The bill provides young parents support services from their local government units such as maternal health care, post-natal family planning, parenting workshops and psycho-social support, among others.

It also seeks to strengthen the referral pathways in cases of sexual violence against adolescents by instituting mandated reportorial requirements when there are observed and identified signs of abuse.

“This bill arises at a critical time as we begin to see the end of Covid19 policies in our country. Despite our country’s significant strides in closing the gender equality gap, the pandemic has brought to light the gendered issues that women and girls continue to face,” Hontiveros said.