Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing concern in the Philippines, with its far-reaching effects on young mothers, their families, and society.

The Department of Health (DoH) has expressed reservations about supporting Senate Bill 1979, the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2025, arguing that the existing Reproductive Health (RH) Law already addresses the issue.

While the RH Law does contain provisions for family planning and adolescent health education, the persistent rise in teenage pregnancies suggests gaps in its implementation. More than a debate over legislative redundancy, this issue calls for a broader approach that includes comprehensive education — not just for adolescents but for adults as well.

According to recent statistics, the Philippines continues to have one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Southeast Asia. This trend often stems from a combination of poverty, lack of education, cultural taboos surrounding sex, and inadequate access to reproductive health services. Teenage mothers face heightened risks, including health complications, interrupted education, and social stigma, while their children often inherit the cycle of poverty.

Senate Bill 1979 aims to institutionalize measures to prevent teenage pregnancy, including mandatory sex education, accessible reproductive health services, and community-based interventions.

However, the DoH has pointed out that the RH Law already mandates similar provisions, particularly comprehensive sexuality education and access to family planning.

The crux of the matter lies not in the existence of these provisions but in their patchy implementation. In many schools, sex education remains a taboo subject, diluted by cultural and religious sensitivities. Health centers, meanwhile, are often underfunded and understaffed, limiting their ability to provide adequate support.

While the focus of Senate Bill 1979 and the RH Law is largely on adolescents, it is equally important to educate adults. Parents, teachers, and community leaders are key influencers in shaping attitudes toward sex and relationships. Yet many adults lack the knowledge or confidence to discuss these topics openly. Misconceptions about contraceptives, conservative beliefs, and discomfort often hinder effective communication between generations.

A comprehensive approach to tackling teenage pregnancy must therefore include adult education. Parents should be empowered with accurate information and equipped with tools to engage in honest, age-appropriate discussions with their children. Teachers and health workers need training to overcome cultural barriers and provide factual, nonjudgmental guidance. Community leaders and policymakers must advocate for evidence-based practices rather than succumbing to moralistic or ideological pressures.

The stigma surrounding sex education is a significant barrier to progress. Many still equate discussions about sex with permissiveness, fearing it will encourage promiscuity. However, studies consistently show that comprehensive sex education leads to delayed sexual activity, increased use of contraceptives, and lower rates of teenage pregnancy. Breaking the taboo requires normalizing these conversations at every level of society.

While legislation like Senate Bill 1979 can provide a framework, real change happens in implementation. Adequate funding, monitoring, and community involvement are essential. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society can amplify efforts and ensure no one falls through the cracks.

Teenage pregnancy is not just an adolescent issue — it is a societal one. Addressing it requires a holistic approach that combines education, healthcare, and community support.

By including adults in the conversation and breaking cultural taboos, the Philippines can move closer to a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. Let us not merely legislate but act decisively, ensuring that both the young and the old are equipped to navigate this critical issue with knowledge and compassion.