The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in the Philippines has just wrapped up its first year of supporting local governments with implementing adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) programs to reduce teenage pregnancy rates in three cities: Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog and Puerto Princesa.

To reflect on that year and share experiences and initial results, the hub hosted a virtual press conference March 8, 2022. Over the past year, TCI has strengthened local government capacity in implementing AYSRH interventions in the first three cities. Seven new cities (General Santos, San Jose, Santiago, Baguio, Naga, Biñan and Tacurong) have recently come on board, with two more (Iloilo and Tagum) expected to begin implementation in the coming weeks.

Participating in the virtual press conference were TCI’s hub partner the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), the government’s Commission on Population (POPCOM) and the Department of Health (DOH), as well as mayors and representatives from the first three cities.

“We all realize that teen pregnancy is not just a health issue, but also a social issue with implications for our community, our society that will impact on the country achieving and reaping a demographic dividend for the next generation,” said Dr. Juan Antonio A. Perez III, the Undersecretary and Executive Director of POPCOM, in noting progress made towards reducing teen pregnancy in the past year but with much more work to be done.

Please watch the press conference: