Barangay Leaders in Paranas, Samar Strengthen Commitment to Combat Adolescent Pregnancy
News
Forty-two barangay and youth leaders from Pabanog, Poblacions 3, 5, and 6, and Lawaan 1 in Paranas, Samar gathered together on April 7-8, 2025, for the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP) Module 2 rollout of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF). This event was a chance to celebrate the progress made since the first module and to refocus on the fight against adolescent pregnancy, an issue that continues to affect many communities.
The leaders reflected on what they had accomplished so far and used the opportunity to improve their plans to tackle the persistent challenges their communities face. A key point of agreement across the five barangays was that even a single case of adolescent pregnancy is a cause for concern and should be prevented at all costs. With this in mind, the barangay leaders reshaped their plans, working under the guiding principle that “one case is one too many”.
Local Leaders Take Action
In Poblacion 6, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Bryll Babon took the lead. He introduced a new initiative to install CCTV cameras in the barangay, aiming to discourage adolescents from wandering at night, knowing that their activities are being watched. Alongside this, symposiums and peer discussions are being held to raise awareness and encourage young people to make responsible choices about their future.
Lea Delmonte, a parent leader from Poblacion 3, has become a symbol of resilience and dedication. Lea’s story is a testament to overcoming adversity—she had to leave school at the age of 16 due to poverty, but later returned to education, earned her college degree, and now actively works to address adolescent pregnancy in her barangay. As a member of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), Lea helps facilitate discussions with other parents during Family Development Sessions. These discussions serve as a platform for parents to share ideas and strategies to guide their children and prevent adolescent pregnancies.
Impact and Progress
The collective efforts of barangay leaders and the community are starting to show real results. The number of adolescent pregnancies has decreased in many areas. In Pabanog, for instance, cases dropped from seven in 2023 to just one in 2024. Similar reductions have been seen in Poblacion 5, Poblacion 6, Lawaan, and Poblacion 3. On a broader scale, Paranas as a whole has seen a decrease in adolescent pregnancies, from 69 cases in 2022 to 26 in 2024.1
Recent data also suggest a positive shift in the use of family planning (FP) practices. Among young people aged 10 to 19, there were 51 FP users recorded in 2023. This number increased in 2024, with 80 FP users in the same age group—a 57% increase.1 This growth reflects not only better awareness but also improved access to reproductive health services.
Sustained Efforts Toward a Brighter Future
The training sessions, organized by ZFF under the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar (JPARAP), are helping local officials gain the knowledge and skills they need to continue tackling this issue. The program is supported by the Provincial Government of Samar, the Municipal Government of Paranas, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
With ongoing collaboration and action, these communities are on their way to creating a future where adolescent pregnancy is no longer a widespread concern, and young people have the tools and support to make informed decisions about their lives.
1 Source: Municipal Health Office, Paranas