The Reproductive Health Seminar on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention, organized by the Gender and Development Office (GAD) and in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Health Unit (MDHU), was held on August 13, 2025.

Cenphilians from seven colleges of Central Philippines State University–Main Campus gathered at the Clemente Sports Complex to participate in the seminar.

The City Government of Kabankalan-City Health Office’s Ms. Rosario F. Santillan, RN, and Ms. Amy M. Valenciano, RN, conducted a two-part lecture on tackling teenage pregnancy as the resource persons for the event—introduced by MDHU’s Ms. Kristine C. Duran, RN.

Ms. Santillan discussed the current teenage pregnancy trend, citing that Kabankalan City ranked 2nd among LGUs with the highest teenage pregnancy cases within the Negros Island Region, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) recent data.

GAD Director, Ms. Shirley A. Calugcugan, welcomed the student body with her opening remarks and said, “Today we aim to foster open dialogue, raise awareness, and encourage responsible choices among the youth—among students. Teenage pregnancy remains a challenge among societies, affecting the future of young girls, disrupting their education, limiting their opportunities, and sometimes, forcing them to make decisions that they are not physically and emotionally ready for. It is not a health issue; it is a social, economic, and moral concern. As such, prevention through proper education, support systems, and strong values must be a shared responsibility.”

Moreover, the lectures encompassed the health risks, educational challenges, economic impacts, and socio-emotional challenges that teenage pregnancy brings, as well as the possible causes of youth engagement in unprotected sexual activity leading to early pregnancy.

In her inspirational message, CPSU Board Secretary V, Ma’am Nelly N. Cabual, said, “Dear students, your efforts will lead to positive outcomes. Be persistent. Be determined. Be inspired by admirable role models and ask for the guidance of God, who owns our lives. Make God the center of everything you plan. Bear in mind that you have the capacity to achieve great things through hard work and belief in yourselves. Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrificing, and most of all, the love of what you’re doing and learning of what to do.”

The lecture also emphasized the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of health risks that pregnant teenagers are more vulnerable to, particularly the physiological unpreparedness of their bodies for childbirth.

CPSU continues to provide students with ample support amidst the prevalent social issues through the relevant programs delivered by its offices.