BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Population and Development- Cordillera (CPD-CAR) has completed “Dap-ayan ti Biag” profiling of adolescent mothers aged 10-19 that can serve as basis to strengthen support for young families in the region.
Alfredo C. Canero, CPD-CAR Information Officer, presented the findings during Population and Development (PopDev) Summit on November 27-28, 2025 in Baguio City.
“This was born out of our commitment to track adolescent pregnancy progress in CAR – not just with numbers, but with the real stories of the young women behind those figures,” Canero said.
The project aims to identify demographic and social determinants of early fertility and strengthen support for young families in the region.
Initiative background and implementation
This initiative stemmed from a Regional Implementation Team (RIT) agreement as part of the Technical Working Committee for Executive Order 141 and Adolescent Health Development efforts.
The Adolescent Health Program (AHP) Profiling Tool was developed following technical reviews in November 2024, finalized in the first quarter of 2025, and presented to RIT members before being rolled out to local government units in April.
The tool included mandatory consent forms for minor respondents – a critical safeguard given the age of participants. It covered five key areas: demographic profile, socio-economic status, psychosocial factors, health service access, and mother-baby outcomes.
“We made sure the tool was respectful and safe. These are minors sharing their most personal journeys. The consent process was non-negotiable,” Canero emphasized.
Administered by population officers and health workers, data was collected from June to September 2025 in the region’s top six areas with the highest adolescent pregnancy cases: Baguio City, Bangued (Abra), Luna (Apayao), Bauko (Mountain Province), La Trinidad (Benguet), and Tabuk City.
Key findings from the profiling
Based on 2023 DOH-CHD-CAR Family Health Information System (FHIS) data showing 2,175 adolescent pregnancies (44 among 10-14-year-olds and 2,131 among 15-19-year-olds), the study revealed critical insights:
For demographics, most young mothers are firstborn, identified as Ilocano, Kankanaey, or Kalinga, and come from farming households with monthly incomes ranging from P5,000 to P15,000. Only 4 percent are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and most live with both parents.
In terms of education, nearly half (49%) dropped out of school due to pregnancy, while 29% remain enrolled. Most reached senior high school, with a small percentage in the Alternative Learning System.
“Pregnancy is still the top reason these young women leave school. That’s a gap we need to close urgently,” Canero noted.
Over 50% of pregnancies were unintended, with partners typically aged 21 or older (many high school graduates not in school). Pregnancy was cited as the top consequence of sex, though second highest reported being unaware of risks.
As to health services, most accessed check-ups at government facilities (averaging 9 visits), with pills, withdrawal, and condoms as the most known contraceptives. However, 23% did not use any method, citing unexpected sex, lack of knowledge, or fear of side effects.
The study showed most gave birth at 19 years old via normal delivery, with 75% of babies born full term. Breastfeeding was the primary feeding method, with only 6% using formula.
Moving forward: Collaborative action rooted in culture
Canero stressed the data is a “starting point, not an end,” noting that while overall adolescent pregnancy rates have declined in CAR and the Philippines, cases among 10-14-year-olds are on the rise.
A Program Design workshop is set for December 2025 to align findings with RIT and AHD plans for targeted interventions.
“These young mothers are often overlooked, and there are too few programs tailored specifically for them. We call on LGUs, agencies, and civil society to use this data to create compassionate, effective support systems,” Canero said. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
