Turning Vision into Action: Naga City’s Bold Steps Toward Zero Teen Pregnancies
Stories
Naga City, the ‘Heart of Bicol’, is known for its rich history, deep religious heritage, and a strong sense of community. With a population of 209,170 as of the 2020 Census of Population and Health, it stands as the second most populous city in the Bicol Region. However, like many growing cities in the Philippines, it grapples with significant social challenges, including the rising concern of adolescent pregnancy, which continues to impact the youth and local development efforts.
Based on city reports, Naga’s adolescent birth rate (ABR) surged dramatically in recent years, climbing from 21 per 1,000 live births in 2020 to 106 in 2021, and even higher in 2022 at 110. This prompted local officials to rethink how they addressed adolescent reproductive health. Mayor Nelson Legacion recognized the urgency of the situation, particularly as young people struggled with limited access to reproductive health services and faced social stigma. The COVID-19 pandemic only made things worse by disrupting outreach programs and services.
A Strategic Partnership to Drive Change
In 2021, Naga City partnered with The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, co-managed by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. This partnership led to the creation of a City Leadership Team (CLT), which helped harmonize and scale up family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) efforts.
“We’ve had adolescent-focused initiatives in the past, but they were not well-coordinated or harmonized,” said Joy Macaraig, Assistant Department Head of the City Population and Nutrition Office (CPNO). With 26 years in public service, she explained how the integration of FP and AYSRH under the CPNO helped streamline both outreach and service delivery. The CLT further empowered various departments to incorporate adolescent health into their work.
The results were striking: by 2023, Naga’s ABR had dropped to 71, and by 2024, it had plummeted to 20—well below the national target of 37 .
From Pilot to Full Coverage: Empowering Barangays
Originally launched in three barangays, TCI’s model was soon expanded to six through the mayor’s initiative, and later to all 27 barangays in the city. The backbone of this local effort was the Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs), who not only tracked adolescent mothers but also ensured these young families received critical health and nutrition services.
Healthcare workers were also equipped through TCI University, an online platform offering practical tools and real-world examples. Janet Beloro, a midwife at the City Health Office, noted the improvement in her service delivery. “When clients return and tell me they will practice family planning, that’s when I realize I’ve made a difference—that I’ve been an effective provider. I see their health literacy improving, and for young people especially, I notice their growing awareness.”
Institutionalizing the Vision: Naga’s AYSRH Ordinance
In 2023, Naga passed City Ordinance No. 2023-025, also known as the AYSRH Ordinance. Authored by Councilor Gayle Abonal-Gomez, a member of the CLT, the ordinance institutionalized adolescent health initiatives and created a dedicated local budget to fund them.
One key result was the establishment of an Integrated Service Delivery Network (ISDN), which strengthened referral pathways among barangay health stations, hospitals, schools, and NGOs. This made it easier for adolescents to access the care they need, when and where they need it.
Creating Safe Spaces for Teens
Another major achievement of the ordinance was the rollout of teen hubs in schools and barangays. These safe spaces provide young people—including out-of-school youth—with information, counseling, and support.
At Concepcion Pequena National High School, teacher Dessa Bermejo helps manage their school’s Teen Hub. “With teenage pregnancy remaining a pressing concern, young people need a safe space where they can confide in someone they trust—someone who will listen without judgment and provide the guidance and support they need,” she shared.
Teen hubs have already been set up in Barangays Balatas and Calauag, and the goal is to bring these hubs to every school in the city.
Empowering Youth Through Communication
To support a more holistic approach to adolescent well-being, the Commission on Population and Development Region V launched the ‘Hearts and Minds’ campaign, under Director Joyce Dela Paz-Hilvano. This pre-orientation program focuses on emotional well-being and self-awareness, laying the foundation for more informed decision-making in adolescence.
The result? Naga’s modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) has remained above national targets, signaling sustained progress in FP and AYSRH initiatives.
Funding the Future
Since joining TCI, Naga has grown its investment in AYSRH from Php 2.2 million in 2023 to Php 5.1 million in 2024. This increase supports teen hubs, healthcare worker training, and the continuous delivery of reproductive health services.
Importantly, the city’s general fund and annual investment plan now include AYSRH—securing financial sustainability beyond political cycles.
Naga City’s experience shows that tackling adolescent pregnancy demands leadership, coordination, and sustained investment. Its journey offers a clear message to other local governments: meaningful change is possible when adolescents are placed at the center of public health and development efforts.