TACLOBAN CITY – The Association Government Information Officers in Region 8 (AGIO8) is taking up its own cudgels in the fight against the rising number of teenage pregnancy in the region through a series of advocacy campaigns aimed at educating young people in the communities on responsible reproductive health, life skills and mental well-being.
With teenage pregnancy rates remaining a concern in many areas in Eastern Visayas, lawyer Jonalyndie Chua of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and AGIO-8 president, the association will provide its part in strengthening information drives by utilizing various mass media and social media platforms and community-driven information dissemination to spread awareness on the risks of early pregnancy and the importance of education and responsible decision-making among adolescents.
“Education is key to prevention. As information officers, we will be engaging not just the youth, but also parents, teachers, and community leaders to create a support system that empowers young people to make informed choices,” Atty. Chua said.
In Tacloban City, there were 379 cases of teenage pregnancy recorded by the City Population Office in 2024.
Aside from teenage pregnancy, rising number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), will also form part of the AGIO 8’s advocacy. Concerns have been raised over rising cases of HIV and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) with infected persons getting younger.
In Tacloban City data from 1984 until September 2023, 277 individuals were diagnosed with HIV, 167 of them, or 58 percent of the cases, are within the 25–34 age bracket.
As part of the campaign, information officers will be incorporating their campaigns with their programs as well as, working closely with schools to bring information on responsible adolescent sexuality and reproductive health.
In addition to media campaigns, the initiative includes outreach programs in rural and underserved areas, where teenage pregnancy rates are often higher due to limited access to information and health services.
The regional government agency membership of the AGIO 8 have expressed their support for the advocacy, recognizing the role of information officers in shaping public awareness and influencing policy.
“Teenage pregnancy is not just a personal issue—it affects families, communities, and the nation’s future. Through information and education, we can break the cycle and give our youth better opportunities,” Chua added.
AGIO 8 committed to strengthening their initiatives and ensuring that young people receive the knowledge and resources they need to make responsible life choices.
(AHLETTE C. REYES/PIA-8)
