Pagkalinga Program launches in 5 barangays in Koronadal
One of the responsibilities of the Local Government Unit of Koronadal and the Commission on Population Development (CPD) XII is to protect adolescent parents and their children from discrimination and abuse; thus, the Pagkalinga Program was created.
The program’s goal is to protect young mothers from the risks of early pregnancy so that they can achieve their aspirations and well-being, and it will do so through comprehensive and holistic interventions in social protection. "It is the mandate of CPD XII to protect young women and men from the risk of unwanted and repeated pregnancies," said Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian, Regional Director of CPD XII, during the Pagkalinga Program Partnership Agreement Signing Ceremony held on September 29 at the KCC Convention Center.
Alvin Dwight F. Asentista, Population Officer III, has observed that the number of teenage pregnancies has increased over the past few years, in addition to the program's rationale for its establishment. In his message during the signing ceremony, he referenced national and regional data on adolescent pregnancies, stating that the number of unintended pregnancies among adolescents aged 15 to 19 had decreased from 2013 to 2022. However, a rise in the number of 10 to 14-year-olds was noted. In addition, City Councilor Ellen Grace Subere-Albios, chair of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Welfare, has stated that there have been 273 cases of teen pregnancy this year in the city. According to Asentista, this is extremely alarming and requires immediate action; thus, the Pagkalinga Program was established.
The City Population Office, with the assistance of its partnering agencies and offices, will select the implementation area for the program's basic implementation process. As this is the pilot testing of Pagkalinga in Koronadal City, it will initially serve five barangays before expanding to other barangays and cities/municipalities. After selecting the area, they will select the household that will receive a Php500.00 monthly stipend until December 2023.
Who is eligible to participate in the program? Mothers under the age of 18 who are pregnant or have living children and whose household's monthly income is less than the regional poverty threshold. In addition, the adolescent mother must adhere to the conditions outlined in the oath of commitment and Personal Development Plan (PDP) or life plans that have been mutually agreed upon. During the partnership signing on September 29, households from the five pilot barangays had already been identified. Beneficiaries were invited to a registration and orientation session. The orientation covered the strategies of the Pagkalinga Program as well as the requirements and conditions for financial assistance. During the orientation, they swore to use the stipend for the benefit of their children and to maintain their dedication to the program. After orientation, they will receive initial financial assistance, which they will continue to receive after a compliance check, followed by random home visits for regulation and monitoring.
Janet T. Demonteverde, the City Population Officer, elaborated on the conditions that accompany the benefits, in addition to the implementation procedures outlined previously. It was separated into conditions pertaining to health, education and skill development, and AHD classes. Pregnant mothers should have at least one prenatal consultation each trimester of their pregnancy, have at least one blood pressure and weight monitoring measurement in each trimester of their pregnancy, and should have attended at least one breastfeeding and family planning session prior to delivery, given certain health conditions. Moreover, the mother should utilize at least one postnatal care service within the first six weeks following childbirth. Non-pregnant mothers are required to visit a local health center in order to receive primary health care, including blood pressure and weight monitoring. The children of these adolescent mothers aged 3-4 years old are required to enroll in CDCs or pre-school and maintain a class attendance rate of at least 85% per month. For the mothers’ side, they are also required to enroll in elementary or secondary school, depending on their school level and should maintain a class attendance rate of at least 75% per month.
During the signing of the aforementioned agreement, City Councilor Subere-Albios expressed her support for the program and emphasized that her office has a similar initiative underway. Regarding this, she urged the teenage mothers present at the convention center to persevere despite the challenges of being a young mother.
In his speech following the partnership signing with CPD XII, City Mayor Atty. Eliordo U. Ogena has also stated that, "young people of our city should make the most of this opportunity and reap its benefits - not only for themselves, but also for their children."