Duterte ordered DepEd to assist against the increasing teenage pregnancy

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President Duterte has ordered DepEd to boost programs set to raise awareness on disaster risk reduction among youths amid the country's increasing teenage pregnancy.

“The President is concerned on the increasing number of teenage pregnancies in the country,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said in a press briefing at Malacañang on Friday.

Briones mentioned that increasing teenage pregnancy is found to be linked to recently hit typhoon areas like Tacloban and Davao. She added that it might have been the scanty accommodation like makeshift tents which placed teenagers in such vulnerable situations.

DepEd will also strengthen drug prevention and  incorporate sex education in curriculum by next year.

“The President also wants to strengthen the gender and development component of the school curricula, especially in relation to sex education and teenage pregnancy.” Briones mentioned in September in the budget hearing. 

According to the National Demographic and Health Survey, one in 10 young Filipino women age 15-19 has begun childbearing: 8 percent are already mothers and another 2 percent are pregnant with their first child.

On top of this, President Duterte also want to promote gender equality among government officials including the cabinet.