By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian is urging for the effective implementation of the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Program Act to address the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections across the country.
During a hearing on the Department of Education’s implementation of comprehensive sexuality education, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of parents taking the lead in instilling responsible behavior in adolescents to protect them from risky behaviors and their consequences.
The senator referenced data from the Department of Health (DOH), which showed the average number of newly reported HIV cases rising to 1,470 per month in the first half of 2023. Of these, 34,415 (29%) were among youth aged 15-24.
“We also need to focus on getting parents more involved—not just by meeting with them regularly, but by truly mobilizing them,” Gatchalian said.
“I firmly believe that mobilizing parents is a key way to reduce teenage pregnancies. When parents are mobilized, they become more aware of these issues and are empowered with the knowledge to talk to their children,” he added.
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