The province of Antique is facing a concerning surge in adolescent pregnancies, with nearly 500 cases documented in just the first half of 2025. Data from the Office of the Provincial Population (OPPO) revealed that between January and June, 498 pregnancies involved girls under the age of 20, signaling an urgent public health and social issue.
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Teen Pregnancy Cases Spike Across Multiple Towns
Among the total cases, six involved girls aged 10 to 14, with three cases recorded in San Jose and one each in Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, and Laua-an. Another 234 cases came from adolescents aged 15 to 19.
Caluya posted the highest number of incidents with 83, followed by Sibalom and San Remigio with 50 each. Other municipalities also logged significant figures: Hamtic (41), San Jose (40), Pandan (28), Tibiao (27), Culasi (27), Tobias Fornier (22), Patnongon (22), Laua-an (21), Anini-y (19), Sebaste (18), Bugasong (16), Valderrama (16), Libertad (7), Belison (6), and Barbaza (5).
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) clarified that the figures represent the first semester of the year, with further age breakdowns expected once second-quarter data is finalized.
Authorities Call for Stronger Health and Education Programs
In 2024, Antique reported 963 teen pregnancies, including 28 cases among girls aged 10 to 14. Health officials say this year’s figures suggest the problem is far from abating.
“This is not just a health issue—it’s a social one,” a PHO official stressed. “We need to reach the youth where they are, provide accurate information, and ensure they have access to the right services.”
Authorities underscored the importance of reproductive health education, community engagement, and better access to support systems to address the root causes of early pregnancies.
A Wake-Up Call for Families and Communities
Health officials emphasized that tackling the issue requires shared responsibility among parents, schools, and local governments. Proper guidance, open communication, and comprehensive sexuality education are key to helping adolescents make informed decisions about their well-being and future.
Beyond teenage pregnancy, officials also warned that the lack of awareness and protection can contribute to rising cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), a growing concern nationwide.
They urged communities to view this surge as a wake-up call—one that highlights the need for stronger parenting, better information dissemination, and more accessible health services for young people.
“This is not just Antique’s problem,” the PHO official added. “This could easily become a national crisis if we don’t act together.”
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