By: Gellian Marie Tierra
Publication: Claire Mendoza
When the words “teenage pregnancy” come to mind, we think of a statistic: cold, impersonal numbers that reduce human experience to dots on a graph. We picture young girls that need to find ways on balancing their flickering youth with the responsibilities of their newfound motherhood. Yet, behind those numbers are complex and messy stories of silent struggles that don’t escape mouths and stay sodden deep within. When we think of “teenage pregnancy”, we think girls. But what about the equally important roles that their male counterparts need to play in situations like these?
Pasay City enacted Ordinance No. 6313, Series of 2023, also known as the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) Ordinance. This initiative aims to not only improve the current situation of adolescents regarding their sexual and reproductive health but also redefine the conversation.
One of the most pivotal aspects from the ordinance is Rule 13 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) which states the significance of the presence of male involvement for the reproductive health of both genders. Young boys are stated to be educated in family planning, responsible fatherhood, safe sex practices, and gender sensitivity to better help break the uninformed decision making led by vulnerability and emotions the young mind harbors. Pasay City Ordinance no. 6313 seeks to move beyond outdated, one-sided narratives and place equal weight on male involvement, because both genders make choices, yet the burden of liability has historically fallen on one.
An example of the absence of male involvement is the all-too-common misconception that teenage pregnancy is solely a “woman’s issue,” as if the responsibility should rest entirely on the young mother while the father remains a footnote in the narrative.
This inaccuracy leads to the limited awareness and accountability of their male counterparts, reinforcing a toxic cycle. However, starting to address common issues that linger in this age group creates a difference, especially when handled early.
The IRR, rather than merely addressing the consequences, forwards the idea of averting away from possible problems. It promotes early education on contraception, family planning, and the consequences of unprotected sex. Additionally, there are programs included that create discussions on gender sensitivity, life skills, co-parenting, and prevention of gender based violence. These efforts reinforce that reproductive health is a shared responsibility.
The ordinance takes a proactive rather than a reactive approach by empowering young men with the right knowledge that can contribute to their character now and in the future, safer relationships and greater respect in partnerships, and the reduction of early pregnancies. The underlying message is how to lean on preventive measures rather than expecting a solution when irrevocable damage has been done.
At its core, the ASRHR ordinance is not just a legal framework, it is an initiative by Pasay City and a catalyst for the progression of sexual and reproductive health education. It serves as a commitment to nurturing burgeoning minds with awareness, responsibility, and inclusivity. Because real progress is not about assigning blame, it’s about ensuring that everyone is equipped to traverse through complexities of relationships, decision making, and creating character with integrity and ethics.
