Championing Youth: Santiago City’s Fight Against Adolescent Pregnancy

In 2020, Santiago City faced a serious problem. Its adolescent birth rate was the highest in Region II—47 births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19. That meant too many young lives were being disrupted by unplanned pregnancies. For Population Program Officer Johanna Gabriel, these were not just numbers. She saw dreams put on hold and young futures changed overnight. This crisis unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the city having a modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) of 39%, which was already above the national average of 30%.

 

A Unified Response: Empowering the Whole Community

Mayor Sheena Tan knew that stopping adolescent pregnancy meant involving the whole city. She reached out to The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, co-managed by the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. The first step was creating a City Leadership Team (CLT)—not just made up of health officials, but also representatives from education, planning, youth sectors, and even young people themselves.

The city’s response fit perfectly with its KAISAKA Development Strategies, which focuses on four pillars:

  • Kabuhayan (Livelihood)
  • Kalusugan (Health)
  • Karunungan (Education)
  • Kaayusan (Good Governance)

This meant adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) was addressed alongside other core priorities, and not treated as a separate issue.

Making Healthcare Youth-Friendly

Before the intervention, adolescents often felt judged or misunderstood at health centers. There was a lack of privacy, and services were not designed for youth. Santiago City changed this by building 37 community-based and 22 school-based teen centers—safe, respectful spaces designed with and for young people.

Importantly, these centers are now run by trained youth facilitators with guidance from adult mentors. This gives young people ownership and confidence. In 2023, Ordinance No. 11THCC-089 institutionalized the Information Service Delivery Network (ISDN)—a system to make sure youth services remain accessible, consistent, and effective across the city.

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Training and Expanding Youth Reach

One of Santiago’s biggest challenges was the limited number of trained service providers in family planning. The city responded by using TCI tools to identify root causes of high adolescent pregnancy. It also adopted ZFF’s Bridging Leadership approach, empowering local leaders to work with young people in shaping policy.

The results were powerful:

  • 638 Teen Facilitators were trained as peer leaders.
  • Health workers received essential training in Family Planning Competency-Based Training (FPCBT 1 and 2), Adolescent Health Education (ADEPT), and Healthy Young Ones (HEYO).

At the same time, the city upgraded all Barangay Health Centers and teen centers to Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities (AFHFs). These were linked to the broader public health system and supported by the Santiago City Youth Code and the Local Youth Development Plan.

Community Programs and Campaigns

The city knew awareness was just as important as access. It launched a range of youth-centered initiatives including:

  • Samahang Teenage Nanay na Dakila (STAND) Project – for adolescent mothers
  • Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) Program – to involve young men
  • Project Developing a Responsive Environment for AYSRH Movement (DREAM)

Outreach strategies included house-to-house campaigns, social media content, and tailored Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) materials to bring the right messages directly to young people and their families.

A Brighter, Healthier Future

Santiago City’s bold moves produced real results:

  • Adolescent birth rate dropped from 47 in 2020 to 30 in 2024
  • The city’s mCPR stayed strong at 36% in 2024, continuing to exceed the national standard of 30%
  • More adolescents are confidently seeking care from health providers and peer facilitators

“KAISAKA namin kayo” (“we are with you”) is the heartbeat of Santiago City’s movement. From teen centers to city ordinances, from peer facilitators to youth awards, every initiative is rooted in a belief that adolescents deserve to be supported, informed, and empowered.

As Gabriel shared, it is about building a future where health-seeking behavior is a way of life, and where every young person has the tools and support they need to thrive. Santiago City’s journey continues—with commitment, compassion, and the confidence that change is not only possible, but is already happening.

Eight Cities Share Success in Family Planning and Adolescent Health

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines concluded a three-day webinar series titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning (FP) and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH).” Held on May 26, 28, and 30, the series showcased the work of eight local government units (LGUs): Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas.

Kate Graham, Deputy Director of the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, co-implementer of the TCI program, framed the event as a new chapter for local leadership: “This event marks not only a culmination, but a new beginning—one where cities take the lead in building stronger, more responsive systems for FP and ASRH.”

Day 1: Cities at the Forefront

Iligan, Naga, and Santiago shared how strong leadership fosters systems change. Mayor Frederick Siao of Iligan treated FP as a governance priority, while Naga Mayor Nelson Legacion institutionalized grassroots collaboration to address teen pregnancy. Santiago Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan, represented by Population Program Officer Johanna Gabriel, highlighted youth empowerment through peer-led education programs. Adding depth to the discussions, Joyce Dela Paz, Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region V Director, and Theresa Soriano, CPD Region II Director, served as reactors.

“Our cities aren’t just predicting change; they’re creating it, one policy, one partnership, and one empowered young person at a time,” said Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of TCI-Philippines at Zuellig Family Foundation, as he challenged participants to move from “best practices” to “next practices”.

Day 2: Expanding Family Planning Through Outreach

The second day began with opening remarks from Dr. Ann Ysabel Andres, OIC-Division Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Division of the Department of Health (DOH). Biñan Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Jr. emphasized co-ownership in tackling health system weaknesses. Mandaue City Health Officer Dr. Debra Maria Catulong presented their Women’s Health Caravan, which delivers life-stage appropriate services directly to communities. Manila Family Planning Coordinator Dr. Evelyn Rimando explained how they reconnected with women through house-to-house family planning services.

Reacting to these presentations, Marilyn Ogaya, CPD Regional Director for CALABARZON, and Reynaldo Wong, CPD Regional Director for MIMAROPA, highlighted the importance of community outreach, data-driven programming, and integrated strategies that address both demand and service delivery gaps in family planning.

Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman, identified four drivers of success: strong leadership, technical excellence, adequate resources, and community engagement.

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Day 3: Reaching Adolescents through Adolescent-Friendly Services

On the final day, Iloilo and Las Piñas presented their adolescent health strategies. Dr. Justine Hernandez, Medical Officer of the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program at Las Piñas City Health Office, shared how a referral network streamlined services among adolescent-serving agencies. Richard Magullado, Information Officer and AHD Focal Person at Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VI, described how Iloilo created safe spaces that encouraged youth expression and participation.

“As a continuous commitment to lead and sustain, graduating from TCI is not an end point. It is now your city’s duty to sustain your progress and motivate others to guide, support, and proactively create an efficient and equitable health system,” said Mylin Mirasol Quiray, Division Chief of Knowledge Management and Communications Division at CPD.

Adding further insights, Jackylin Robel, CPD National Capital Region Director, and Harold Alfred Marshall, CPD Region VI Director, responded to the city presentations emphasizing that adolescent-responsive systems must go beyond access—they must provide consistent, youth-friendly engagement that respects the rights and realities of young people.

Celebrating Local Innovation and Ownership

Over the three days, the webinar emphasized local ownership, integration of services, and community-driven change. Dr. Faraon praised the eight cities for their leadership and encouraged others to scale up proven models and build partnerships across sectors.

The eight featured cities—now TCI graduates—will serve as models for other LGUs working to improve family and adolescent health outcomes. Their stories underline a clear message: responsive governance saves lives.

Cities Lead the Way in Family Planning and Adolescent Health—Webinar Series to Spotlight Local Innovations

Eight cities will take center stage next week in a three-day webinar series hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) through The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, a global program supporting high-impact practices in family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH).

The event, titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health”, aims to showcase how local governments have taken bold, data-driven actions to improve access to reproductive health services. The webinar series will run on May 26, 28, and 30, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, via Zoom.

Launched in 2020, TCI is a five-year global platform co-managed with the William S. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. In the Philippines, TCI has worked closely with city governments to support policies and programs that reduce adolescent pregnancies and improve access to FP services. The program encourages cities to adopt self-reliant, gender-responsive strategies that empower women and youth.

The cities of Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas have been recognized as Global Self-Reliant Cities in FP and AYSRH under the program.

Each city’s approach reflects local leadership and innovation:

  • Iligan City expanded FP and AYSRH services by empowering women and girls with access to information and health services.
  • Naga City focused on youth-centered policies and community mobilization to address teenage pregnancy.
  • Santiago City promoted peer education and youth leadership as a tool for reproductive health education.
  • Biñan City tailored FP services to meet the real-life needs of women through integrated outreach.
  • Mandaue City launched a Women’s Health Caravan to bring services closer to communities.
  • Manila City used its Bayanihan Outreach Program to reach underserved areas with FP services.
  • Iloilo City created adolescent-friendly healthcare environments using culturally sensitive, gender-aware strategies.
  • Las Piñas City developed a multisectoral approach by aligning efforts across health, education, and social services.

The webinar series will allow participants to hear directly from local officials, program leaders, and partners about their experiences in building responsive and sustainable systems. Participants will also gain insights into effective strategies that can be applied to other cities and towns across the country.

Webinar Details:

  • Day 1 – May 26: Cities at the Forefront (no CPD units applied)
     Join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar1
  • Day 2 – May 28: Expanding Family Planning Services to Priority Populations through Targeted Outreach
     (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 3; Midwifery: 1)
     Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar2
  • Day 3 – May 30: Expanding Access to Adolescents through Adolescent-friendly Health Services
     (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 2; Midwifery: 1)
     Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar3

The webinar marks both a culmination and a new chapter for these cities as they continue to strengthen systems that protect and promote reproductive health. ZFF encourages health workers, local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to join the discussion and explore how these stories can inspire wider change.

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The Challenge Initiative-Philippines Webinar Series Day 1: Cities at the Forefront (Iligan, Naga, Santiago)

 

Day 1 of the The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines Webinar Series (May 26, 2025) featured Iligan, Naga, and Santiago Cities showing how strong leadership drives systems change. Mayors prioritized family planning, youth empowerment, and community collaboration to tackle teen pregnancy. “Our cities aren’t just predicting change; they’re creating it,” said Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of TCI-Philippines at Zuellig Family Foundation, urging everyone to move beyond BEST practices and toward NEXT practices. 

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