EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 
^ 6 1
lUi- .!■
'19 
JUL -2 
An 52
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
FOR 
A 
NATIONAL 
POLICY 
IN  
PREVENTING 
TEENAGE 
PREGNANCIES, IN STITUTIO NALIZING  SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR TEENAGE 
PARENTS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution. Article II. Section 13 provides that:
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall 
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social 
wellbeing. It shall include in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage 
their involvement in public and civic affairs.
In light of the said provision, it is disheartening to note that in the Philippines the 
incidence of teenage pregnancies is increasing. In 2014, data from the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that every hour, 24 babies are delivered by teenage 
mothers. In fact, based on the Certificate of Live Births submitted by the Local Civil 
Registry Offices from 2011 to 2014, about one in every ten women of child-bearing age 
was a teenager. According to the 2014 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) study, 
around 14 percent of Filipino girls aged 15 to 19 are either pregnant for the first time or 
are already mothers more than twice the rate recorded in 2002. Among six major 
economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Philippines has the highest 
rate of teenage pregnancies and is the only country where the rate is increasing, per 
the United Nations Population Fund.
According to the University of the Philippines Population Institute, young Filipinos 
have limited access to sex education and adolescent Sexual and reproductive health 
Services, especially if they are underage and unmarried. The reasons for becoming 
pregnant among teenagers include unplanned sexual encounters and peer pressure.


lack of information on safe sex, breakdown of family life and lack of good female role 
models in the family, and absence of accessible, adolescent-friendly institutions.
Teen pregnancy has serious consequences for young women, their children, and 
communities as a whole. Too-early childbearing increases the likelihood that a young 
Woman will drop out of school and is less likely to pursue further education or skills 
training. Thus, teenage pregnancy perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality 
because most pregnant teenagers have no source of income and face greater financial 
difficulties later in life. Moreover, teenage mothers face critical health risks, including 
inadequate nutrition during pregnancy due to poor eating habits, dangers associated 
with the reproductive organs not ready for birth, and maternal death due to higher risk 
of eclampsia, among others.
The United Nations Population Fund, on the other hand, stressed that teenage 
pregnancy, among others, undermines girls' rights health, rights and opportunities. 
UNFPA's State of World Population 2016 report shows that empowering today's 10-year- 
old girls could yield huge demographic and economic dividends and build better 
societies. According to JNFPA, teenage pregnancy limits far too many girls' hopes, 
dreams and aspirations. It also costs the country around P33 billion each year in 
foregone earnings. According to the report, girls who reach adulthood with an 
education and their health and rights intact could triple their lifetime incomes, thereby 
fueling progress for generations and entire nations. By ensuring girls' right to education, 
including age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education and access to youth 
friendly sexual and reproductive health Services and advice, the country could improve 
the lives of hundreds of thousands, reap long term gains, and help ensure the success 
of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In view of the foregoing circumstances, there is a need to establish a national 
policy in preventing teenage pregnancies and institutionalize social protection for 
teenage parents.
RISA HONTIVEROS 
U 
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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SENATE
S. No. 
1 6 1
A  •
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,i i-j II I.
, 7 
•  
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‘19 
JUL -2 
All :53
RFCMvrn I”
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY IN  PREVENTING TEENAGE 
PREGNANCIES, 
IN STITUTIO NALIZING  
SOCIAL 
PROTECTION 
FOR 
TEENAGE PARENTS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it  enacted by the Senate and the House o f Representatives o f the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This A ct shall be known as the "Prevention o f 
Adolescent Pregnancy Act o f 2019."
Sec. 2. Declaration o f P olicy- It shall be the policy of the State to:
a) Recognize, promote, and strengthen the role of adolescents and 
young 
people 
in 
the 
overall 
human 
and 
socio-economic 
development of the country;
b) Recognize and promote the responsibility of the State to create 
and sustain an enabling environment for adolescents to enable 
them to achieve their development aspirations and potentials as 
well as mobilize them to positively contribute to the development 
of the nation;
c) Pursue sustainable and genuine human development that values 
the dignity of the total human person and afford full protection to 
people's rights, especially of adolescent women and men and 
their families;
d) Promote and protect the human rights of all individuals including 
the adolescents particularly in their exercise of their rights to 
sexual and reproductive health, equality and equity before the 
law, the right to development, the right to education, freedom of 
expression, the right to participate in decision-making, and the 
right to choose and make responsible decisions for themselves;


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e) Provide full and comprehensive information to adolescents to help 
them prevent early and unintended pregnancies and their life­
long consequences;
f) Ensure corresponding interventions that could respond to the 
socioeconomic, health and emotional needs of adolescents and 
youth, especially young women, with due regard for their own 
creative capabilities, for social, family and community support, 
employment opportunities, participation in the political process, 
and access to education, health, counselling and high-quality 
reproductive health services;
g) Encourage adolescent mothers and fathers to continue and finish 
their education in order to equip them for a better life, to 
increase their human potential, to help prevent early marriages, 
high-risk child-bearing and repealed pregnancy, and to reduce 
associated mortality and morbidity through comprehensive social 
protection interventions; and
h) Recognize and promote the rights, duties and responsibilities of 
parents, teachers, and other persons legally responsible for the 
growth of adolescents to provide in a manner consistent with the 
evolving capacities of the adolescent, appropriate direction and 
guidance in sexual and reproductive matters.
Sec. 3. Definition o f Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms 
shall be defined as follows:
a) Adolescents - refers to the population aged 10 to 21 years.
b) Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Care -  refers 
to the access to a full range of methods, techniques and services 
that contribute to the reproductive health and well-being or 
young people by preventing and solving reproductive health- 
related problems.
c) Adolescent Sexuality - refers to the reproductive system, gender 
identity, values or beliefs, emotions, relationships and sexual 
behavior of young people as social beings.
d) Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) - refers to the process 
of acquiring compiete, accurate, relevant and age-appropriate 
information and skills on all matters relating to the reproductive 
system, its functions and processes and human sexuality and


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forming 
attitudes 
and 
beliefs 
about 
sex, 
sexual 
identity, 
interpersonal relationship, affection, intimacy and gender roles. It 
has the purpose of developing the skills of young people for them 
to make informed decisions such as the capacity to distinguish 
between facts and myths on sex and sexuality, and critically 
evaluate and discuss the moral, religious, social and cultural 
dimensions of related sensitive issues such as contraception and 
abortion, 
and decide to 
prevent risky behaviors that can 
undermine the realization of their aspirations and potentials.
e) Inform ation and Service Delivery Network for Adolescent Health 
Development (ISDN) -  refers to the network of facilities, 
institutions, 
and 
providers 
within 
the 
province, 
district, 
municipality 
'city-wide 
health 
and 
social 
system 
offering 
information, training, and core packages of health and social care 
services in an integrated and coordinated manner.
f) Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) - refers to the local 
body to be created based on RA 10742 (SK Reform Law) which is 
composed 
of 
representatives 
of 
youth 
and 
youth-serving 
organizations in the provincial, city, and municipal level with the 
primary function of assisting in the planning and execution of 
projects and programs of the Sangguniang Kabataan, and the 
Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan in all levels.
g) Task Force on Youth Development (TFYD) -  refers to the local 
body to be created based on Implementing Rules and Regulations 
of RA 10632 (Act to Postpone the October 2013 SK Elections) 
whose members will remain in office until such time that SK 
officials have been duly elected and qualified. They are mandated 
to formulate a Youth Development Plan and ensure that the 
plan's programs and projects are implemented in the barangay 
and that the SK funds are used solely for youth development.
h) Normal Schools or Teachers College -  refer to the learning 
institutions training or educating teachers.
i) 
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) - is a cooperative arrangement 
between one or more public and private sectors, typically of a 
long-term nature, for various development programs or projects.


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j) Reproductive Health - refers to state of complete physical, mental 
and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or 
infirmity in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to 
its functions and processes.
k) Risky Behaviors - refer to ill-advised practices and actions that 
are potentially detrimental to a person's health or general well­
being.
l) 
Social Protection - consists of policies and programs designed to 
reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labor 
markets, diminishing people's exposure to risks, and enhancing 
their capacity to manage economic and social risks, such as 
unemployment, exclusion, sickness, disability and old age.
m) Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Council -  hereafter referred to as 
the Council, is an inter-agency and inter-sectoral council that shall 
be formed through this Act and serve as its implementing body
n) Philippine Accreditation System fo r Basic Education (PASBE) -  
refers to the accreditation process that looks into the operations 
of the public and private elementary and secondary schools if 
they meet the quality standards as established by stakeholders of 
basic education.
Sec. 4. Development o f National Program o f Action and Investm ent Plan 
fo r the Prevention o f Teenage Pregnancy. -  The Council, in collaboration with 
other relevant national agencies and civil society organizations, shall develop an 
evidence-based National Medium-Term Plan fo r the Prevention o f Teenage 
Pregnancy, which shall serve as the national framework for inter-agency and 
inter-sectoral collaboration at all levels to address the various health, cultural, 
socio-economic and institutional determinants of teenage pregnancy.
Based on the Medium-Term National Plan, a National Program on the Prevention 
o f Teenage Pregnancy (NPPTP) shall be developed and funded at all levels and 
shall become a priority program of the Philippine Population Management 
Program of the Population Commission (POPCOM), spearheaded and coordinated 
by the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Council, created under Sec. 22 of this Act. 
The NPPTP shall be based on the inter-agency program of action involving all 
relevant government agencies and shall be considered as a program that is 
eligible for multiyear funding and inter-agency obligational authority to ensure 
the allocation for the key strategies in all concerned government agencies. The


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NPPTP shall be formulated with clear and prescriptive guidance for better 
implementation at the local level.
In order to ensure the full participation of the stakeholders, consultations with 
children, adolescents, and youth-oriented groups shall be held with the Council's 
youth representatives. The results of the stakeholders' consultation that will be 
presented by the youth representatives shall be integrated into the formulation, 
implementation, operation, measurement, and evaluation of the NPPTP. If 
necessary, additional consultations with the stakeholders shall be conducted at 
various levels of the program to guarantee that the NPPTP remain youth focused 
and oriented.
Sec. 5. Organization and Mobiiization o f Regional and Local Inform ation 
and Service Delivery Network fo r Adolescent Health and Development (ISDN fo r 
AHD). -  All provinces and chartered cities shall organize and operationalize an 
ISDN 
for AHD 
consisting 
of different government and 
non-government 
organizations, institutions, and facilities disseminating information and services to 
adolescents within their locality. In cases of provinces and cities with existing 
ISDNs, they shall now harmonize new and existing efforts and programs for 
AHD. The ISDN may be organized by district in each province or by 
municipality/city. An effective collaborative and referral system among the 
members of the ISDN for AHD shall be established and implemented within a 
catchment area.
The ISDN for AHD will provide health services that are sensitive to the particular 
needs and human rights of all adolescents, paying attention to the following 
characteristics:
a) Availability -  Primary health care should include services sensitive 
to the needs of adolescents, with special attention given to sexual 
and reproductive health and mental health;
b) Accessibility -  Health facilities, goods, and services should be 
known 
and easily accessible (economically, 
physically, 
and 
socially) to all adolescents, without discrimination. Confidentiality 
must be guaranteed and maintained at all times;
c) Acceptability -  Health facilities, goods, and services should 
respect cultural values, be gender sensitive, be respectful of 
medical ethics, and be acceptable to both adolescents and the 
communities in which they live;


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d) Quality -  Health services and goods should be scientifically and 
medically appropriate, which requires personnel trained to care 
for adolescents, and provide adequate facilities, and scientifically 
accepted methods.
The ISDN for AHD shall perform the following tasks and functions:
a) Map and analyze the various factors contributing to pregnancies 
among adolescents at the regional and local levels;
b) Identify, harmonize, coordinate, and implement inter-agency 
interventions to address the various issues related to teenage 
pregnancies in the region and at the local level;
c) Capacitate ISDN for AHD agency-members in collaboration with 
relevant 
regional 
government 
agencies 
to 
ensure 
quality 
information and services to adolescents;
d) Provide, 
in 
collaboration 
with 
concerned 
LCDs, 
needed 
information and services for adolescent development;
e) Generate or share resources in the implementation of the joint 
strategic plan of the ISDN for AHD; and
f) Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of coordinative and referral 
systems and other interagency interventions jointly implemented 
by the ISDN.
The local ISDN shall be coordinated by the Provincial Population Office and co­
coordinated by the Provincial Health Office in collaboration with the Sangguniang 
Kabataan (SK) Federation or Task Force on Youth Development (TFYD) and/ or 
Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) in the concerned localities with 
technical assistance from the Council and other relevant national government 
agencies.
Sec. 6. Age and Development-Appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality 
Education. -  The Department of Education, with assistance from the Council and 
in collaboration with other relevant agencies, shall develop and promote 
educational standards, modules, and materials to promote comprehensive 
responsible sexuality education in schools, communities, and other youth 
institutions. The comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) shall be a compulsory 
part of education, integrated at all levels with the end goal of normalizing 
discussions about adolescent sexuality and reproductive health and to remove 
stigma from all levels. The Council shall ensure that the CSE is medically


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accurate, rights based, and inclusive and non-discriminatory towards lesbians, 
gays, bisexuals, transgenders, intersex, or queers (LGBTOQs) adolescents.
The CSE shall include age and development-appropriate topics such as, but not 
limited to: human sexuality, consent, adolescent reproductive health, effective 
contraceptive use, disease prevention, HIV/AIDS and the more common Sexually 
Transmitted Infections (STIs), hygiene, health and nutrition, healthy lifestyles, 
gender-sensitivity, gender equality and equity, teen dating, prevention of gender 
and sexual violence, digital citizenship and issues like pornography, and life-skills. 
The purpose is to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values to make 
informed and responsible choices about their sexual and social relationships.
The CSE shall be standardized and implemented in all public and private basic 
education institutions. CSE delivery shall not be dependent upon the discretion of 
the school administration or on its teachers. It shall be integrated in the school 
curriculum, guided by international standards. In order to ensure proper 
compliance, the provision and delivery of CSE in public and private basic 
education institutions shall be listed as one of the criteria and an accreditation 
requirement of DEPED's Philippine Accreditation System for Basic Education 
(PASBE). Schools refusing to implement CSE shall have their accreditation 
reviewed by the PASBE board.
The Council shall undertake annual reviews to determine the effectiveness of the 
curriculum and to make revisions as necessary to enhance implementation of the 
program. In addition, the Council shall formulate a guide for CSE delivery for 
schools.
Sec. 
7. 
Training o f Teachers, 
Guidance 
Counseiors, 
and School 
Supervisors on CSE -  The Council, with the DepED and the Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED), shall ensure that all teachers, guidance counselors, 
instructors, and other school officials entrusted with the duty to educate 
adolescents on CSE shall be properly trained on adolescent health and 
development and gender sensitivity to effectively educate or guide adolescents in 
dealing with their sexuality-related concerns. The training activities shall include 
the legal and human rights instruments applicable to the sexual and reproductive 
health of adolescents, especially in cases of unintended pregnancies as a result 
of sexual violence. Funding for the training shall be allotted in the concerned 
government agencies' annual allocation to be approved by Congress.
As a result of the training, schools shall institute policies to support teenage 
mothers in ensuring that they stay in school and complete their education.


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The CHED shall ensure that CSE standards are integrated in the curriculum and 
across specializations in the professional preparation and training for would-be 
teachers in normal schools or teacher education institutions in the country.
Sec. 8. 
CSE fo r Out-of-Schoo! Adolescents and those with Special 
Concerns. -  The Council, the Local ISDN, and the Local Government Units 
(LGUs) shall collaborate to intensify and institutionalize interactive learning 
methodologies for CSE among out-of-school adolescents in the communities and 
workplaces as well as unsuitably housed youth. Provided, that the needs of 
indigenous, 
working 
persons-with-disabilities, 
and 
adolescents 
in 
social 
institutions are considered in the design and promotion of sexuality education 
among adolescents.
Delivery of CSE in a non-formal education setting shall be ensured by DepEd 
through their Alternative Learning System. Community youth leaders, through 
the SK, TFYD, or LYDC shall invest in a concentrated effort in reaching these 
groups and encourage peer to peer counseling. Volunteer groups and interested 
civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) 
shall be recognized for supplemental support to the local ISDNs.
DEPED, along with other relevant government agencies, shall be tasked to 
integrate a CSE syllabus that is culturally sensitive into the existing Madrasah 
curriculum.
Sec. 9. CSE fo r Parents and Guardians with Adolescent Children. -  A 
community-based 
program for education and awareness of parents and 
guardians about teen sexuality shall be developed and implemented with the 
main objective of capacitating them to effectively guide, counsel, and provide 
support to their adolescent children in concerns and decisions related to their 
sexual health. The CSE specifically designed for parents and guardians should 
include discussions on how to address the familial and societal norms that 
encourages risk behaviors and perpetuates ignorance of adolescent sexual and 
reproductive health. Furthermore, this parent and guardian oriented CSE shall 
capacitate and encourage them to continue their sexual education with their 
children and wards in their households.
The module for this CSE program shall be developed by the council. The topics 
to be included shall include but are not limited to: positive discipline, responsible 
parenthood, violence against women and children, and dealing with bullying and 
the possible stigma of being a teen parent.


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These classes shall be conducted by trained Municipal/City Social Welfare and 
Development Officers. Several avenues that can be pursued are Family 
Development Sessions (FDS) of the DSWD and PTA meetings. The M/CSWDOs 
shall endeavor to reach out to parent organizations in schools and communities 
to promote such program.
Sec. 10. Promoting the CSE using the Social Media and other Digital or 
Online Communication Platforms. -  The Council shall optimize the social media 
and other online 
platforms to 
reach 
adolescent netizens with 
accurate 
information and messages on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) 
concerns. A web portal for the NPPTP shall be developed and promoted by the 
council to harmonize and link various government websites and online services 
for ASRH including the networked operationalization of ISDN for AHD.
Sec. 11. Participation o f the Private Sector in the Promotion o f CSE. -T h e  
government may enter into public-private partnership agreement in mobilizing 
private communication networks and companies in promoting CSE through text 
or short message service (SMS) or media messages. An incentive mechanism for 
telecommunication companies shall be developed and implemented by concerned 
agencies to recognize private participation in promoting CSEs and adolescent 
youth health-seeking behavior, positive attitude towards sex, sexual relations 
and sexuality, etc.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) shall review 
their existing guidelines to ensure that no movie and television programs portray, 
depict, promote, and encourage unsafe sexual activities among adolescents as a 
normative behavior in the society. An incentive scheme for adolescent-friendly 
television programs shall likewise be developed and implemented to encourage 
movie and television networks to produce materials and programs that promote 
responsible sexuality among adolescents.
Other private companies may be engaged to partner with the government 
agencies in designing and implementing innovative programs to prevent 
adolescent pregnancy.
Sec. 12. Access to Reproductive Health Services. - Adolescents who are 
presently or currently engaged in sexual activities shall be allowed to access 
modern family planning methods with proper counseling by trained service 
providers in public and private facilities. The aforementioned counseling is 
carried out with the end in view of ensuring healthy practices through the 
promotion of optimal health outcomes and protecting minors, especially those in


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vulnerable circumstances, from possible predatory and sexually exploitative 
practices. For this purpose, all health service providers in health facilities 
including school clinics and school-linked health centers shall be trained on 
providing adolescent-friendly and responsive information and services Provided, 
that ali health facilities shall be enhanced to become an adolescent-friendly 
facility by ensuring confidentiality, exclusive schedule for adolescents, availability 
of services for adolescents, non-judgmental and gender responsive heaith service 
providers: Provided, furthermore, that adolescents shall not be denied access to 
clinical services and modern methods of contraceptives if and when they seek to 
avail of the aforementioned healthcare services.
The Council shall ensure that ASRH training are integrated in the pre-service 
curriculum training of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), front-line heaith care 
providers, and social workers. The said training shall include topics such as, but 
not limited to: consent, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, effective 
contraception use, disease prevention, HIV/AIDS and the more common STIs, 
hygiene, healthy lifestyles, and prevention of gender and sexual violence. 
Linkages and referral systems shall be established in educational institutions in 
order to bridge gaps in between CSE and access to SRH services for in-school 
adolescents. For Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) and other groups, a community 
peer educator could be chosen to advocate accessing SRH services and 
distribution of commodities.
In cases of pregnant adolescents, a wider spectrum of SRH services shall be 
made available to them spanning the pre-natal, antenatal, and post-natal stages 
of pregnancy and its respective health care requirements.
Provision of reproductive health services to adolescents shall be based on the 
principles of non-discrimination and confidentiality, the rights of adolescents, 
their evolving capacities, and as a life-saving intervention.
Sec. 
13. 
Social Protection fo r Teenage Mothers or Parents. 
-  A 
comprehensive social protection service shail be provided to adolescents who are 
currently pregnant and their partners in order to prevent repeat pregnancies and 
to ensure their well-being while assuming the responsibilities of being young 
parents. Such services shall include the following:
a) Maternal health services including pre-natal, ante-natal, and 
post-natal check-ups and facility-based deiivery;
b) Post-natal family planning counseling and services for either or 
both teenage parents;
10


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c) Personal PhilHealth coverage, making mandatory enrollment 
and membership of indigent teenage mothers:
d) Training, skills development, and support to livelihood programs 
for the household of the teenage parents especially for the 
indigents;
e) Continuing CSE for teenage parents;
f) Workshops on couples counseling, parenting, and positive 
discipline for the impending parents; and
g) psycho-social support and mental health services for teen 
mothers.
Adolescent mothers and their partners shall be entitled to maternal and paternal 
leave, 
respectively, 
especially if both 
are employed. 
Suspension, 
forced 
resignation and other discriminatory acts in the workplace against pregnant girls 
shall be prohibited.
The LCDs through the Local Social Welfare and Development (LSWD) and/or the 
Population Office shall implement a continuing CSE program for teenage mothers 
and fathers with technical assistance from the Council.
Sec. 14. Social Protection in Cases o f Sexual Violence -  Strengthened 
social protection mechanisms against violence for adolescents, especially for 
girls, shall be provided. Expectant and current mothers whose pregnancies were 
the result of sexual violence shall be given access and support to legal, medical, 
and 
psycho-social 
services. 
Furthermore, 
the Council 
shall 
reinforce the 
capacities of health facilities in providing comprehensive care for adolescents in 
case of sexual violence.
Health service providers, particularly the BHWs, other primary health care 
providers, and local population officers shall be given confidentiality and 
safeguarding guidelines and tools for spotting sexual exploitation and abuse of 
adolescents. A referral pathway shall be created by the Council to ensure that 
identified sexual abuse and exploitation survivors are assisted and properly 
handled.
Sec. 15. Social Protection In Cases o f Humanitarian or Emergency 
Situations -  The local ISDN shall be bolstered in the events of humanitarian 
crises or emergency situations. The local ISDN shall ensure swift and efficient 
delivery of SRH services to vulnerable adolescents and young pregnant girls. 
Increased vigilance shall be practiced in cases of gender violence, sexual assault, 
and exploitation in these situations. All incidence of the aforementioned


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situations shall be innnnediately addressed by the local ISDN through appropriate 
channels.
Special attention shall be given to young mothers who are at the late stages of 
pregnancy in case of (premature) labor. In order to ensure delivery of SRH of 
adolescents and adolescent expectant parents, LGUs shall incorporate adolescent 
SRH specific content and safeguards in their local Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Plans.
Sec. 16. Care and Management fo r First Time Parents -  All pregnant 
teens, especially the poor and hard-to-reach groups shall have access to skilled 
care throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and post-natal periods. SRH providers 
shall strive to provide as many teenage mothers with their birth plans that details 
their intended place of childbirth delivery, availability of transport to these health 
care institutions, and respective costs. Special attention shall be given to younger 
pregnant mothers during obstetric care.
Workshops, classes, and seminars for first time parents shall be provided with 
ante-and post-natal education. These classes shall include topics such as, but not 
limited to: infant feeding and care, positive discipline, responsible parenthood, 
and safe sex practices. The classes shall be made available free of charge and at 
times most convenient for the teen parents.
Educational institutions shall be encouraged to develop and establish support 
mechanisms that will encourage the return of teen mothers and parents, for 
instance: in-school day-care and breastfeeding stations.
Sec. 17. Encouraging maie invoivement -  The Council shall develop 
programs that will promote male involvement in the prevention of early and 
unintended pregnancies. These programs shall include topics such as, but not 
limited to: responsible fatherhood, couples counseling, avoiding gender violence, 
life-skills, and co-parenting strategies. These programs shall emphasize the roles 
and responsibilities of being a father and promote their active involvement.
These programs shall also serve as an avenue to encourage the uptake of SRH 
services and information of boys and young men.
Sec. 18. Designating February o f Every Year as the Month fo r Raising 
Pubiic Awareness on Preventing Teenage Pregnancy and Conduct o f Nationwide 
Communication Campaign. - To raise public consciousness on the issues on 
teenage pregnancy and generate support from various stakeholders, the entire 
month of February shall be designated as Month fo r Preventing Teenage 
Pregnancy which shaii be observed nationwide. Schools and other stakeholders
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shall hold activities with the objective of raising awareness and generate critical 
actions to address the issues of increasing teenage pregnancy.
Further, the Council, in coiiaboration with relevant agencies including the CSOs 
and private sector shall develop, launch, and sustain a nationwide campaign for 
the prevention of teenage pregnancy.
Sec. 19. Integration o f Local Program fo r the Prevention o f Teenage 
Pregnancy in SK Programs. - Strategies and programs which aim to prevent 
incidence of teenage pregnancies shall be integrated in the SK programs at the 
local and community level using the ten percent (10% ) SK funds. In the absence 
of the SK, the Task Force on Youth Development (TFYD) shall undertake the 
responsibility of integrating teenage pregnancy prevention programs in the 
barangay youth council's activities. The Council shall issue guidelines to ensure 
the implementation of this provision.
The SK/TFYD shall likewise implement programs and activities that aim to 
develop the potentials and skills of adolescents to make them more productive 
members of the society. The topics of the said programs and activities is 
inclusive of, but are not limited to: leadership trainings and life skills seminars 
that can be done together by the teens and their families together. 
The 
SK/TFYD shall encourage youth participation in these activities as means of 
diverting the focus and potentials of adolescents into more meaningful and 
productive endeavors.
The SK/TFYD shall enlist the support of the local barangay council, the local 
Council for the Protection of Children, and the barangay health center to be able 
to provide a more complete array of services, activities, and programs.
Sec. 20. Residential Care Facilities fo r Disadvantaged Women -  The 
existing residential care facilities for disadvantaged women of the Department of 
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall be capacitated to accommodate 
the needs of pregnant girls. The management of the said facilities shall 
coordinate with their respective locality's ISDN to provide SRH information and 
services to their residents.
In order to effectively serve their pregnant teen residents, these centers shall 
employ the following personnel: a case worker, an on-call obstetrician- 
gynecologist, full-time midwife or nurse, and a psychologist.
If there is an identified demand and need for a residential care facility to be built 
and established, the local ISDN shall prioritize the city or municipality with the 
highest rate of teen pregnancy.
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Sec. 21. Credtion o f 3 Ndtiond! Infom idtion System on the Prevention o f 
Teenage Pregnancy -  The Council shall endeavor to create a system that will 
comprehensively assess and effectively monitor and evaluate the status, success, 
and efficacy of the National Program of Action for the Prevention of Teenage 
Pregnancy and the NPPTP.
The existing Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study shall be renamed 
Adolescent Health and Development Survey and be carried out every four (4) 
years to conduct surveys and collect age- and gender-disaggregated data. Its 
topics shall cover a wider range of topics and indicators extending beyond 
adolescent sexuality and reproductive health. Its coverage shall include topics 
such as, but not limited to: education, adolescent health, and labor.
Existing surveys such as the National Demographic and Health Survey, Family 
Health Survey, Family Planning Survey, and Maternal and Child Health Survey 
shall begin the collection of data-disaggregated at age 10-14 and include never- 
married women in data collection in order to have a more accurate picture. 
Research and data collected from the assessment and evaluation shall be stored 
in a public database.
Sec. 2. Implementation Structure -  A Teenage Pregnancy Prevention 
Council' to be integrated as a sub-committee of the National Implementation 
Team of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law shall 
be established to be composed of the following:
a) The Department of Health (DOH) Secretary as the Chairperson;
b) The POPCOM Board of Commissioners Chair as Co-Chairperson;
c) Senior officials (at least Undersecretary level) of the National 
Youth Commission (NYC), DEPED, DSWD, Department of Interior 
and Local Government (DILG), CHED, and Technical Education 
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as ex-officio members;
d) Five members appointed by the Chairperson who are persons 
with knowledge, expertise, accomplishment, and with no less 
than five-year experience in the fields of public health, adolescent 
rights and social protection, education, psychology, and social 
welfare, provided that one qualified member is appointed in each 
field; Provided further, That majority of these appointed members 
are female; and
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e) Two representatives of children and youth appointed by the
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Council Chairperson from various nationally represented youth
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organizations, provided that one is male and one is female.
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The POPCOM shall serve as the secretariat of the Council.
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The appointment of members shall be in accordance with the rules and
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procedures as prescribed by the POPCOM, taking into account the approximate
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proportion between men and women.
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The Council shall have the powers and duties as follows:
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a) To 
propose 
legislative 
and 
administrative 
policies 
on 
the
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prevention of adolescent pregnancy;
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b) To develop operational guidelines for government agencies and
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private organizations in the development and implementation of
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comprehensive 
strategies 
and 
programs 
for 
prevention 
of
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adolescent pregnancy, including sexual violence;
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c) To monitor implementation of the provision of the law;
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d) To conduct research and generate evidence on the drivers of
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teenage pregnancy to inform programs and policies; and
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e) To provide relevant agencies and private organizations 
with
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recommendations and solutions to challenges and gaps in the
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course of implementing the program.
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At the National level, the Council agency members shall have the following duties
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and functions in accordance to their mandates and in relation to the
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implementation of this Act:
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a) The Commission on Population shall:
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a. Develop and coordinate with the relevant agencies the
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NPPTP as part of the national population program;
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b. Implement a program for the training of parents and
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guardians in effectively guiding adolescents on ASRH
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issues;
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c. Set-up the National Information System on the Prevention
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of Teenage Pregnancy that shall be used for plan and
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program development and M & E of indicators at all levels;
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d. Take the lead in the nationwide and community-based
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campaign for the 
prevention 
of teenage pregnancy,
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including the development and maintenance of the web
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portal for relevant online information and services; and
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e. Serve as the secretariat of the Council.
b) The DEPED and CHED shall:
a. Ensure the development and promotion of CSE standards 
and its corresponding learning modules for teachers and 
students;
b. Ensure 
the 
comprehensive 
training 
of 
all 
teachers, 
guidance counselors, and school administrators on CSE;
c. Lead the delivery and implementation of CSE in all public 
and 
private basic education and tertiary educational 
institutions, as well as in non-formal educational settings;
d. Ensure the incorporation of CSE in the module of future 
educators; and
e. Guarantee quality assurance of educational institutions in 
terms of CSE delivery compliance through the PASBE 
accreditation.
c) The DOH shall:
a. Ensure the availability and provision of ASRH information, 
services, and commodities in all public and private health 
facilities;
b. Ensure the training of health service providers in providing 
adolescent-friendly and responsive health services; and
c. Support and provide technical assistance in the capacity 
building of existing ISDNs and establishment of new ISDNs 
at the local level.
d) The DSWD and shall:
a. Take the lead in providing social protection for adolescent 
parents, especially in cases of sexual violence, abuse, and 
exploitation;
b. Ensure the provision of social protection for adolescents in 
humanitarian and/or emergency situations;
c. Equip their existing Distressed Centers for Disadvantaged 
Women with increased capacity to accommodate more 
residents; and
d. Promote CSE for adoiescents with special needs and in 
difficult circumstances.
e) The NYC shall:
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a. Ensure the integration of ASRH and CSE promotion in the 
SK or TFYD and LYDC programs and projects;
b. Capacitate 
the 
SK 
or 
TFYD 
and 
LYDC 
in 
the 
implementation of this Act at the local level;
c. Conduct workshops, classes, and seminars for first time 
parents, in partnership with DOH, DSWD, and other 
concerned Council members and relevant agencies.
f) The DILG shall:
a. Ensure the compliance of LCDs in the implementation of 
this Act by including the implementation of ASRH programs 
as a qualifying requirement of the Seal of Good Local 
Governance and
b. Assist the local ISDNs through their League of Provinces, 
League of Cities, League of Municipalities and League of 
Barangays.
g) The TESDA shall:
a. Provide 
social 
protection 
to 
adolescent 
parents 
by 
providing skills training and livelihood support and
b. Encourage 
enrollment 
in 
tech-vocational 
courses 
for 
adolescent parents who are not fully equipped to return to 
in-school education.
h) The CWC shall:
a. Integrate in its development and strategic frameworks 
issues 
and 
concerns 
from 
children-specific 
to 
teen 
pregnancy and ensure the adoption of such frameworks by 
the LGUs and other stakeholders;
b. Vigorously advocate for the awareness and prevention of 
teen pregnancy;
c. Develop, adopt, and implement, in a manner consistent 
with adolescents' evolving capacities, legislation, policies, 
and programs that will promote children and adolescent 
health and development.
At the local level, the Provincial Population Office and the Provincial Health Office 
shall organize and lead the coordination of local ISDNs. The two offices shall 
headline the implementation of the NPPTP at the local level.
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The LGU's City or Municipal Population and Health Officers shali become the local 
ISDN's point person. With assistance from the provinciai coordinators, the iocai 
SK/TFYD/LYDC, and the Council, they shall adapt the NPPTP to their localities 
and be responsible for its implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The LCDs 
shall enlist the participation of children, adolescents, and youth-oriented groups 
as well as CSOs and NGOs as much as possible. Specific strategies shall be 
designed to reach marginalized and vulnerable adolescent sub-sectors.
Sec. 23. Annual Allocations. -  All concerned government agencies 
including the LGUs shall include in their annual budget the necessary funds for 
strategies and activities within their mandates that are contributory to the 
implementation of this Act. Agencies and LGUs may also utilize their Gender and 
Development (GAD) budget in implementing programs and activities to carry out 
this Act.
Sec. 24. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  Within one hundred 
twenty (120) days upon the effectivity of this Act, the Council shall be organized 
to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act.
Sec. 25. Reporting Requirements. Before the end of April each year, the 
Council shall submit to the President of the Philippines and Congress an annual 
consolidated 
report, 
which 
shall 
provide a definitive and comprehensive 
assessment of the implementation of its programs and those of other 
government agencies in relation to the implementation of this Act and 
recommend priorities for executive and legislative actions. The report shall be 
printed and distributed to all national agencies, the LGUs, NGOs and private 
Sector organizations involved in said programs.
Sec. 26. Separability Clause. -  If any part, section, or provisions of this 
Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 27. Repealing Clause. -  All other statutes, executive orders, and 
administrative issuances or rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with 
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Sec. 28. Effectivity Clause. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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