BACOLOD City – The city government, through the City Nutrition Committee–Urban Basic Services Division (UBSD) in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK), launched its first-ever Teen Summit on November 18 at a mall here, gathering over 200 youth leaders, students, health advocates, and partner organizations to strengthen Bacolod’s campaign toward zero teenage pregnancy.
During the launch, Mayor Greg Gasataya renewed his urgent call to address adolescent health and well-being amid rising cases of teen pregnancy, including a documented case involving a 12-year-old this year.
“We do believe this is very timely, this is very necessary, and these are urgent concerns that we have to look into. The city government is supporting all these endeavors 100 percent,” Gasataya said.
Records from the City Population Office show that out of 200 documented cases of teen pregnancy, five involved minors aged 10 to 14, with the youngest being a 10-year-old girl from Barangay 7.
Councilor Celia Flor, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Women, Gender, Family, and Childcare, stressed the need for realistic and practical education programs to reduce incidents of teenage pregnancy, including repeat cases.
“We have to start from education and awareness campaigns in schools, and even among out-of-school youth, to help them understand their responsibilities and rights so they can make informed decisions regarding reproductive health and sexuality,” she said.
Mayor Gasataya also emphasized the city’s commitment to creating safe spaces for young people, highlighting the newly established Bacolod Youth Lounge at the mall—an area designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for students.
“The youth play a very important role in our city. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your background is,” the mayor said. “As I celebrate my 55th birthday on November 19, I want to emphasize that we are doing these things to give you the avenues to grow and make responsible choices.”
Councilor Em Ang urged young people to take to heart the lessons from the summit. “Your voice and your actions count. I urge you to carry the lessons of today’s summit. Let us build a safer, healthier, and more vibrant Bacolod City,” she said.
The summit gathered a diverse group of participants, including Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons, college and high school students, out-of-school youth, members of the Local Youth Development Council, 4Ps beneficiaries, and participants of the 2025 Rotary Boys and Girls Week Program—representing a broad cross-section of Bacolod’s youth sector.
Various government agencies and partner organizations also presented programs promoting adolescent health, youth empowerment, and responsible decision-making.
Gawad Kalinga, represented by Mark Lawrence Cruz, expressed appreciation for the city’s strengthened campaign. “Bacolod is one of our most active partners. The key here is you, the youth. This is our first nationwide activity specifically addressing teenage pregnancy,” he said.
The summit also featured speakers who discussed critical issues related to youth health, safety, and empowerment, underscoring the importance of informed choices, courage, and community support in building a healthier future for Bacolod’s young people./PN
