Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government has launched a comprehensive action plan to combat the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancies, especially among younger adolescents, and to address the needs of the country's growing elderly population. This initiative is part of the newly signed Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) for 2023-2028.
According to Philippines News Agency, Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon revealed these plans during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing. He highlighted that while there has been a decrease in teenage pregnancies among women aged 15 to 19, there is a concerning rise in pregnancies among minors aged 10 to 14. Tacardon emphasized the demographic challenges facing the nation, including the health and socioeconomic implications of early pregnancies.
Additionally, the PPD-POA aims to address the needs of the Philippines' elderly population, which currently comprises 8.5 percent of the total population, or 9.2 million Filipinos aged 60 and above. The plan seeks to ensure their health, long-term care, and economic security. Another focal point of the plan is addressing the high fertility rate among individuals with lower educational attainment and socioeconomic status.
The action plan also aims to leverage demographic opportunities, such as the falling total fertility rate, now at 1.9 offspring per woman, and the steady growth of the country's working-age population. These elements are critical for the nation's socioeconomic development.
Under Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 40, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on November 14, national government agencies, instrumentalities, and local government units (LGUs) are directed to support the successful implementation of the PPD-POA 2023-2028. This directive aligns with the Administration's broader socioeconomic development agenda outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.