DSWD expands program for adolescent mothers

DSWD expands program for adolescent mothers | Daily Tribune

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying its psychosocial support for teenage mothers and their families under “ProtecTEEN,” a strategy designed to address the rising number of adolescent pregnancies in the country.

According to a report by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), 142,276 adolescent mothers in the Philippines gave birth in 2023.

Although this marks a decrease from 150,148 cases in 2022, the CPD has expressed concern over a sharp increase in the number of very young adolescent mothers under 15 years old. In 2019, there were 2,411 pregnancies among those under 15, but this number surged to 3,343 in 2023.

In response to these alarming figures, the DSWD launched the pilot phase of ProtecTEEN in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and Antipolo City from 2022 to 2023.

“In 2024, ProtecTEEN was expanded to select cities and municipalities across all regions nationwide. We have so far served over 870 adolescent mothers,” said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, on Saturday (8 February).

ProtecTEEN, which stands for Psychosocial Support and Other Interventions for Adolescent Mothers and their Families, is the DSWD’s response to Executive Order 141, Series of 2021, which prioritizes addressing the root causes of rising teenage pregnancies as a national issue.

The initiative addresses the complex challenges adolescent mothers face, aiming to help them overcome these obstacles and become productive members of society. According to Assistant Secretary Dumlao, the project focuses on reducing the incidence of repeat teenage pregnancies, which can have a long-term negative impact on the socio-economic conditions of young mothers and their families.

“The primary goal of ProtecTEEN is to protect and promote the rights and well-being of adolescent mothers, their partners, and their families. It also aims to empower them in their roles as citizens contributing to nation-building and development,” Dumlao explained.

DSWD interventions for these beneficiaries include family healing sessions, case management, educational support, livelihood assistance, capability-building activities, and referrals to other government agencies or private organizations.

Addressing the risks

of teenage pregnancy

Dumlao emphasized that unplanned and early pregnancies often come with serious consequences, such as poor health outcomes for both mother and child, as well as disruptions in education and employability. ProtecTEEN aims to mitigate these risks, including the cycle of repeated teenage pregnancies, through a comprehensive family-centered approach.

The project is designed to ensure that an adolescent mother’s situation does not impede her access to education, livelihood opportunities, or the chance to recover from past decisions. “Our goal is to challenge the normalization of teenage pregnancy, especially in households where it might be viewed as acceptable. We aim to spark small but necessary changes in behavior and mindset toward this issue and its wider consequences,” Dumlao said.

ProtecTEEN also responds proactively to CPD’s call for a stronger, more holistic approach to teenage pregnancy, including the implementation of age-appropriate, culturally sensitive comprehensive sexuality education.

“Addressing multidimensional issues requires equally broad interventions. That’s why we are committed to educating our beneficiaries about available reproductive health options,” Dumlao noted. “The health sector, through their community health center personnel, has supported us since ProtecTEEN’s pilot phase, and we look forward to expanding collaborations as we continue to strengthen this vital initiative,” she added.