?-,v
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 372
'A 
■> r.
of till'
72 JUL 12 All :42
RKEIVtDBY,
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY IN PREVENTING ADOLESCENT 
PREGNANCIES, INSTITUTIONALIZING SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR 
ADOLESCENT PARENTS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Last February 2022, the Commission on Population reported that for the year 2020 
there had been 56,428 recorded live births among adolescent mothers aged 10-17 years 
old. Out of the thousands of teen mothers, 51 of them mothers were between the ages 
of 10-12 when they gave birth1. This averaged to be one childbirth gone through by 
children who haven't even reached their teenage years.
Even more alarming, in a UNFPA 2020 policy brief, it was found out that 97% of 
all live births within the adolescent age group had been fathered be men who are older 
than them and only 3% had been fathered by teenage boys.2 Repeat pregnancies are 
also a concern among teen mothers. In 2020, almost 8% or 4,375 of the live births among 
teen moms were repeat pregnancies.
Teen parents are faced with the harrowing challenge of providing sustenance to 
their children as they navigate their new lives and responsibilities. Most of the time, this 
new life comes at a very high price: teen mothers are faced with the hard decision of 
foregoing their education in order to take care of their new families, a decision that cost 
will cost their whole cohort P33 billion in foregone earnings.
In light of this, this bill pushes for the social protection of young mothers by 
ensuring that teen mothers are getting the healthcare necessary at all stages of their 
pregnancy, by providing protection for young girls, and for pushing for their right to 
continue their education despite the barriers presented by their new circumstance.
1 https://www.pna.gov.ph/aiticles/l 168169
2 https://www.pna.gov.ph/artides/l 145373


In view of the foregoing circumstances, there is a need to establish a nationai 
policy in preventing adolescent pregnancies and institutionalize social protection for 
adolescent parents. The passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
RISA HONTIVEROS iT^ 
Senator


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
ifp of the u' liii'j'
72 JUL 12 All 42
SENATE
S.B. No. 372
RKEIVEOBV.
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY IN PREVENTING ADOLESCENT 
PREGNANCIES, INSTITUTIONALIZING SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR 
ADOLESCENT PARENTS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Prevention of Adolescent 
Pregnancy Act of2022."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - 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 not only in the future but also in the present;
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 affords full protection to people's 
rights, especially of adolescent girls and boys and their families;
d) Promote and protect the human rights of all individuals including 
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 that can 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 
repeated pregnancy and to reduce associated mortality and morbidity 
through comprehensive social protection interventions;
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 of 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 of 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 beliavior of young 
people as social beings.
d) Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) - refers to the process of 
acquiring complete, accurate, relevant, and age-appropriate information 
and skills on all matters relating to the reproductive system, its functions 
and processes, and human sexuality and 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


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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) Information 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 (L YDC) - 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 prima,7 function of assisting in the 
planning and execution of projects and programs of the Sangguniang 
Kabataan, and the Pederasyons 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 College Teachers - 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.
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.


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l) Soda! Protection - constitutes policies and programs that seek to reduce 
poverty and vulnerability to risks and enhance the social status and rights 
of the marginalized by promoting and protecting livelihood and 
employment, protecting against hazards and sudden loss of income, and 
improving people's capacity to manage risks.
m) Adolescent 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 for 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 of National Program of Action and Investment Plan for the 
Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy. - The Council, in collaboration with other relevant 
national agencies, non-government organizations, and civil society organizations, shall 
develop an evidence-based National Program on the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy 
(NPPTP). It shall be funded at all levels and become a priority program of the Philippine 
Population Management Program of the Population Commission (POPCOM), spearheaded 
and coordinated by the Adolescent 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 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 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 tiie 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.
Government agencies like the National Commission on Indigenous Population and 
the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, while not part of the Council, shall be 
included in the development of the NPPTP in order to ensure that it will be inclusive and 
culturally appropriate.


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Sec. 5. Organization and Mobiiization of Regional and Local Information and 
Service Delivery Network for Adolescent Health and Development (ISDN for AHD). - All 
chartered cities and municipalities shall organize and operationalize an ISDN for AHD 
consisting of different government and non-government organizations, institutions, and 
facilities catering information and services to adolescents within their locality. In cases of 
cities and municipalities with existing ISDNs, they shall now harmonize new and existing 
efforts and programs for AHD. The ISDN may be organized by district In each municipality 
or city. An effective collaborative and referral system among the members of the ISDN 
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 should be guaranteed and 
maintained at all times;
c) Acceptability - While fully respecting the provisions and principles of the 
Convention, all 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;
d) Quality - Health services and goods should be scientifically and medically 
appropriate, which requires personnel trained to care for adolescents, 
adequate facilities, and scientifically accepted methods.
The ISDN 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 and implement inter-agency Interventions to address the various 
issues related to adolescent pregnancies in the region and at the local 
level;
c) Harmonize all existing efforts addressing adolescent pregnancy and 
coordinate with all the necessary agencies, organizations, and 
stakeholders to ensure non-duplication of efforts at the local level;


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d) Capacitate ISDN agency-members in collaboration with relevant regional 
government agencies to ensure quality Information and services to 
adolescents;
e) Provide, in collaboration with LGUs, needed Information and services for 
adolescent development;
f) Generate or share resources in the implementation of the joint strategic 
plan of the ISDN; and
g) Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of coordination and referral systems 
and other Interagency interventions jointly Implemented by the ISDN.
The City or Municipal Health Officer shall be the head and point person of the local 
ISDN in collaboration with the Sanggunlang Kabataan (SK) Federation or Task Force cn 
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. The City or Municipal Population Officer shall co-lead the local 
ISDN.
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 ail 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 accurate, 
rights based, and inclusive and non-dlscrlminatory towards LGBT 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 STls, hygiene, 
health and nutrition, healthy lifestyles, gender-sensitivity, gender equality and equity, 
teen dating, prevention of gender and sexual violence, peer pressure, women's and 
children's rights, digital citizenship and issues like pornography, among others. The 
purpose of which 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


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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. CSE for 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-disabllities, 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 CSOs and NGOs 
shall be recognized for supplemental support to the local ISDNs.
The local ISDN and LGUs shall also utilize their Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) 
and enlist their help in delivering CSE to out-of-school adolescents and those with special 
concerns.
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. 8. CSE for 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


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parenthood, violence against women and children, and dealing with bullying and the 
possible stigma of being a teen parent.
These classes shall be conducted by trained Munidpal/City Social Welfare and 
Development Officers. Several avenues that can be pursued are Family Development 
Sessions (FDS) of the DSWD and PTA meetings but other avenues should also be 
pursued. The M/CSWDOs shall endeavor to reach out to parent organizations in schools 
and communities to promote such program.
Sec. 9. Training of Teachers, Guidance Counselors, andSchooiSupervisors on CSE 
~ The Council 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 and 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. The training shall be in collaboration with the 
Council for technical assistance. 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 adolescent 
mothers in ensuring that they stay In school and complete their education.
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. 10. Promoting the CSE using the Social Media and other Digital or Online 
Communication Platforms. - The Council shall optimize social media and other online 
platforms to reach adolescent netizens with accurate information and messages on 
adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) concei ns. 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 of the Private Sector in the Promotion of CSE. ~ The 
government may enter Into public-private partnership agreements in the promotion of 
CSE. 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.


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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 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 all 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 health 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 health 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 OSYs and other groups, a community peer educator could be chosen to advocate 
accessing SRH services and distribution of commodities.


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In cases of pregnant adolescents, a wider spectrum of SRH services shall be made 
available to them spanning the pre-natal until the post-natal stages of pregnancy and its 
respective health care requirements. For in-school pregnant adolescents, consultations 
with the school nurse and guidance counselor shall be encouraged.
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 for Adolescent Mothers or Parents. - comprehensive 
social protection service shall 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 and post-natal check-ups 
and facility-based delivery;
b) Post-natal family planning counseling and sei'vices for either or both 
adolescent parents;
c) Home-based, in-school, or tech-vocational education for adolescent 
mothers and parents;
d) Personal PhilHealth coverage, making mandatory enrollment and 
membership of indigent adolescent mothers;
e) Enrolment to social insurance like the Social Security Services;
f) Training, skills development, and support to livelihood programs for the 
household of the adolescent parents especially for the indigents;
g) Continuing CSE for adolescent parents;
h) Workshops on couples counseling, parenting, and positive discipline for 
the Impending parents; and
i) 
psycho-social support and mental health services for adolescent parents.
Discriminatory and exclusionary practices that harms and discourages the
education of adolescent parents shall be prohibited. All efforts shall be taken by school 
administrations to ensure and encourage the continuation of education of all adolescent 
parents; as such, support mechanisms and school retention programs and policies shall 
be put in place.
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.
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The LGUs through the Local Social Welfare and Development (LSWD) and/or the 
Health Office shall implement a continuing CSE program for adolescent mothers and 
fathers with technical assistance from the Council.
Sec. 14. Social Protection in Cases of Sexual Violence. - Strengthened 
comprehensive social protection mechanisms 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 post-trauma care for adolescents in cases of sexual violence, sexual 
exploitation, or sexual harassment. Provided further, that post-trauma care includes but 
is not limited to services such as purposive family planning and counselling.
Health service providers, particularly the Barangay Health Workers (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 of Humanitarian, Conflict or National Emergency 
Situations. - The local ISDN shall be bolstered in the events of humanitarian and conflict 
crises or national 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 situations shall be immediately 
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 for First Time Parents- All pregnant adolescents, 
especially among 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 adolescent 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 pre- 
and post-natal education. These classes shall Include topics such as, but not limited to:
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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, such as in­
school day-care and breastfeeding stations.
Sec. 17. Encouraging male involvement- 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, 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 of Every Year as the Month for Raising Public 
Awareness on Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy and Conduct of Nationwide 
Communication Campaign. - To raise public consciousness on the issues on adolescent 
pregnancy and generate support from various stakeholders, the entire month of February 
shall be designated as Month for Public Awareness or Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy 
which shall be observed nationwide. Schools and other stakeholders shall hold activities 
with the objective of raising awareness and generate critical actions to address the issues 
of increasing adolescent pregnancy.
Further, the Council, In collaboration with relevant agencies, LGUs, CSOs, and the 
private sector shall develop, launch, and sustain a nationwide campaign for the 
prevention of adolescent pregnancy.
Sec. 19. Residential Care Facilities for Disadvantaged Women - The existing 
residential care facilities for disadvantaged women of the Department of Social Welfare 
and Development shall be capacitated to accommodate the needs of pregnant girls. The 
management of the said facilities shall coordinate with their respective localit>'fs 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. 20. Integration of Local Program for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy 
in SKPrograms. - Strategies and programs which aim to prevent incidence of adolescent 
pregnancies shall be integrated in the SK programs at the local and community level using 
the 10% SK funds. In the absence of the SK, the Task Force on Youth Development 
(TFYD) shall undertake the responsibility of integrating adolescent 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. 21. Creation of a National Information System on the Prevention of Adolescent 
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 Adolescent 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 years to conduct surveys 
and collect age- and gender-disaggregated data. Its topics shall cove" 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-dlsaggregated 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. 22. Implementation Structure - An 'Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Council' 
to be integrated as a sub-committee of the National Implementation Team of the
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Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law shall be established to be
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composed of the following:
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a) The DOH Secretary as the Chairperson;
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b) The POPCOM Board of Commissioners Chair as Co-Chairperson;
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c) Senior officials (at least Undersecretary level) of the NYC, DEPED, DSWD,
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DILG, CHED, and TESDA as ex-officio members;
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d) Five members appointed by the Chairperson who are persons with
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knowledge, expertise, accomplishment, and with no less than five-year
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experience in the fields of public health, adolescent rights and social
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protection, education, psychology, and social welfare, provided that one
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qualified member is appointed in each field; Provided further that majority
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of these appointed members are female;
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e) Two representatives of children and youth appointed by the Council
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Chairperson from various nationally represented youth organizations,
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provided that one Is male and one is female; and
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f) The Chairpersons of the League of Cities and League of Municipalities.
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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 procedures
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as prescribed by the POPCOM, taking into account the approximate proportion between
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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 prevention of
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adolescent pregnancy;
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b) To develop operational guidelines for government agencies and private
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organizations in the development and Implementation of comprehensive
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strategies and programs for prevention of adolescent pregnancy. Including
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sexual violence;
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c) To monitor implementation of the provision of the law;
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d) To coordinate with various government councils and technical working
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groups with the end in view of converging and harmonizing various efforts
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and programs aimed to prevent adolescent pregnancies:
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e) To conduct research and generate evidence on the drivers of adolescent
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pregnancy to inform programs and policies; and
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f) To provide relevant agencies and private organizations with
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recommendations and solutions to challenges and gaps In the course of
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implementing the program.
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At the National level, the Council agency members shall have the following duties 
and functions in accordance to their mandates and in relation to the implementation of 
this Act:
a) 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.
b) The Commission on Population shall:
a. Develop, in coordination with the relevant agencies, the NPPTP as 
part of the national population program;
b. Implement a program for the training of parents and guardians in 
effectively guiding adolescents on ASRH issues;
c. Set-up the National Information System on fhe Prevention of 
Adolescent Pregnancy that shall be used for plan and program 
development and M & E of indicators at all levels;
d. Take the lead in the nationwide and community-based campaign 
for the prevention of adolescent pregnancy, including the 
development and maintenance of the web portal for relevant online 
information and services; and
e. Serve as the secretariat of the Council.
c) 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;
e. Guarantee quality assurance of educational institutions in terms of 
CSE delivery compliance through the PASBE accreditation;
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Ensure the proper implementation and delivery of CSE in all schools 
and administer the PASBE review if or when deemed necessary; 
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g. Strengthen existing programs and develop and Implement flexible 
learning options that will encourage the continuing education of 
adolescent parents, especially mothers.
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 adolescents with special needs and in difficult 
circumstances.
e) The NYC shall;
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. Create and organize, together with DEPED, DILG, DOH, the League 
of Cities and Municipalities, and concerned NGOs and CSOs, 
programs that will promote peer education at the local level; and
d. 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 LGUs 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
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b. Encourage enrollment in tech-vocational courses for adolescent
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parents who are not fully equipped to return to in-school education.
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h) The CWC shall:
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a. Integrate In its development and strategic frameworks issues and
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concerns from children-specific to teen pregnancy and ensure the
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adoption of such frameworks by the LGUs and other stakeholders;
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b. Vigorously advocate for the awareness and prevention of teen
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pregnancy; and
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c. Develop, adopt, and implement, in a manner consistent with
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adolescents' evolving capacities, legislation, policies, and programs
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that will promote children and adolescent health and development.
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i) The League of Cities and League of Municipalities shall:
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a. Help ensure the proper Implementation of this Act In LGUs by
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monitoring the LGUs In their jurisdiction;
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b. Encourage Local Chief Executives in adopting and implementing
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this Act in their LGUs; and
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c. Provide additional support to the local ISDNs.
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At the local level, the City or Municipal Health Office shall organize and lead the
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coordination of local ISDNs and become its point person. With assistance from the City
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or Municipal Population Office, the local SK/TFYD/LYDC, and the Council, they shall adapt
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the NPPTP to their localities and be responsible for its implementation, monitoring, and
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evaluation. The LGUs shall enlist the participation of children, adolescents, and youth-
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oriented groups as well as CSOs and NGOs as much as possible. Specific strategies shall
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be designed to reach marginalized and vulnerable adolescent sub-sectors.
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Sec. 23. Annual Allocations. - All concerned government agencies including the
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LGUs shall include in their annual budget the necessary funds for strategies and activities
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within their mandates that are contributory to the Implementation of this Act. Agencies
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and LGUs may also utilize their Gender and Development (GAD) budget in implementing
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programs and activities to carry out this Act.
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Sec. 24. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within 120 days upon the
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effectivlty of this Act, the Council shall be organized to formulate the Implementing Rules
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and Regulations of this Act.
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Sec. 25. Reporting Requirements. - Before the end of April each year, the Council
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shall submit to the President of the Philippines and the Congress an annual consolidated
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report, which shall provide a definitive and comprehensive assessment of the
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implementation of its programs and those of other government agencies in relation to
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the implementation of this Act and recommend priorities for executive aiid 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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