Reproductive health is a big issue in the Philippines today. This issue has become prevalent in the Philippine landscape; statistics note that in the year 2015 to 2019 for every 1,000 Filipino women, 71 underwent an unintended pregnancy.
Georg Kevin Paquet (the person behind Pinoy Teens) recently held a talk in Barangay Lacaron, Malita, Davao Occidental. In a seminar entitled “From Baby Steps to Father’s Footprints”, he discussed the issue of accidental pregnancies with the aim of raising awareness and educating the audience about it.
In his talk, Georg Paquet delved into the problems that form the root cause of this issue. Questions such as “How knowledgeable are you about teenage pregnancy and solo-parent life?” and “What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear teenage pregnancies?” were asked. These were just the precursors for what was to come.
Reproductive Health in the Philippines
Why is this such a big problem in the Philippines? Well, the talk has the answers for you. Paquet explained that a lack of sex education in the Philippines is a big factor, along with peer pressure and societal influence. Any teenage Filipino can attest to these being true.
For most youngsters, it’s all about sex and never about its consequences. Along with possible health problems for both the mother and the baby, personal and cultural impacts are also discussed. Aspects of a young mother’s life are affected- think education, emotional readiness, and economic factors such as finances.
If not now, then when is the right time to be pregnant? The talk emphasizes the importance of being ready in every possible way, especially financially.
Discussing all this also leads us to the subject of safe sex. Paquet makes a point of sexual health being an important matter. There are a lot of options out there- and no, Calendar Method is not one of the smart ones. Most of your Barangay Health Personnel will know more about them and have the liberty of discussing your possible options with you.
That’s not to say that this is all about scaring the bejeezus out of you. The last part of this event is a talk by Paquet, sharing his own personal story. As someone who has had first hand experience on raising a child, he gives his insights and the challenges he has gone through.
Being a Pinoy Teen in 2024
It’s the year 2024 and you’re a Filipino teenager. Consider yourself lucky; you have all the resources possible in the world to learn about reproductive health. Years ago, a lot of this information wouldn’t have been widespread.
True to his advocacy, Georg Kevin Paquet aims to encourage the young people to be mindful about the large impact having a child can have on you and your life.
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