Davao City’s local government unit (LGU) has partnered with health agencies to establish a standardized referral system for pregnant girls aged 10 to 14. The initiative comes amid reports of a sharp increase in teenage pregnancies in the city. The new system aims to streamline access to maternal care and ensure timely intervention for young mothers.
Health officials confirmed that the referral process will involve immediate assessment and transfer to appropriate medical facilities. The program includes training for community workers and healthcare providers to identify early signs of pregnancy in minors. Data from the city’s health department shows a 25% rise in reported cases of underage pregnancies over the past year.
The initiative follows a series of community outreach programs aimed at educating youth on reproductive health. Local leaders emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address the issue, which they say is linked to limited access to contraception and lack of awareness. The new referral system is expected to be fully operational by the end of the month.
