By CESAR JOLITO III
Alarmed by a new wave of adolescent pregnancies — some involving girls as young as 10 years old — the Bacolod City government has launched a more aggressive, citywide campaign to protect teenagers’ health, safety and future.
At the center of this push is the first-ever Bacolod Teen Summit, a large-scale gathering of more than 200 youth leaders, students and health advocates aimed at strengthening the city’s “Zero Teenage Pregnancy” campaign.
The initiative comes after the City Population Office confirmed 200 cases of teen pregnancy this year, including five involving minors aged 10 to 14.
One of those cases involved a 10-year-old from Barangay 7, prompting city officials to call the situation “urgent and alarming.”
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the summit marks a turning point in how the city confronts adolescent reproductive health issues.
“This is very timely, very necessary. These are urgent concerns,” Gasataya said, reaffirming the city’s full support.
He added that the newly launched Bacolod Youth Lounge in a local mall is part of efforts to create safer environments for young people.
More realistic
Councilor Celia Flor, chair of the Committee on Women, Gender, Family, and Childcare, said the persistent rise in teen pregnancies demands more realistic and accessible education programs — both in and out of schools.
“We have to start with education and awareness campaigns. Young people need to understand their responsibilities and rights so they can make informed decisions,” Flor emphasized.
Councilor Em Ang echoed the call for collective action, urging young delegates to take leadership roles in promoting healthier lifestyles.
The summit was convened through the City Nutrition Committee’s Urban Basic Services Division, led by Lora Clarin, and co-organized with Gawad Kalinga, which hailed Bacolod as one of its most proactive partners in addressing teen pregnancy nationwide.
Multiple agencies showcased programs on reproductive health, psychological education, nutrition, and youth empowerment. Services included free HIV screening, teen-focused nutrition campaigns, adolescent health programs, and information drives on responsible decision-making.
Mark Lawrence Cruz of Gawad Kalinga emphasized that while institutions can guide and support, young people remain the most critical force in reducing teenage pregnancies.
“The key here is you, the youth. This is our first nationwide activity specifically addressing teenage pregnancy,” Cruz said.
Speakers throughout the summit tackled critical issues — from reproductive health and mental well-being to safety, courage and informed choices — underscoring the importance of a community-wide effort to safeguard Bacolod’s adolescents./CJ, WDJ