The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Population Officer (OPPO) in partnership with the Mahintana Foundation, spearheaded a multi-sectoral assembly of program implementers and stakeholders to confront the alarming rise of teenage pregnancy and youth suicide cases in the province.
Provincial Population Officer Melanie Chiva stressed the need for collective and coordinated action, noting that no single institution can effectively address these social challenges on its own.
“The alarming cases of teenage pregnancy and youth suicide demand urgent and united action,” Chiva said. “Through collaboration, we can design more effective interventions and create an environment where young people feel supported, valued, and hopeful about their future.”
She added that the assembly was an important step toward strengthening partnerships and ensuring that responsive policies and programs are implemented across all levels.
“We need to focus our efforts on communities most affected, because that’s where the impact of collective action will be felt the most,” Chiva emphasized.
The Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing programs that safeguard the well-being of young people, underscoring its goal to provide South Cotabato’s youth with opportunities for a stable, secure, and brighter future.
The forum brought together representatives from key government agencies, local government units, and civil society groups. These included the DILG–South Cotabato, DepEd–South Cotabato, Provincial and Municipal Social Welfare offices, the Integrated Provincial Health Office, and the SP Committee on Women, Children and Family Relations. NGOs such as the Bangsamoro Women Organization, Kasilak Development Foundation, Save the Children, and the Maguindanaon Development Foundation, Inc. also took part.
