Philippine E-Journals

Strategies Employed by the Selected Internal and External Stakeholders to Address the Emerging Cases of Early Teenage Pregnancies in the Alabat Island Division of Quezon: Basis for Localized Gender and Development Program

Jhohnniel Celeste | Randy Nobleza

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The study has made to gather data regarding on the strategies employed by the selected internal and external stakeholders to address the emerging cases of teenage pregnancy in the Alabat Island Division of Quezon. Thus; the study sought to answer the following, what strategies are being employed by the internal and external stakeholders and what are the results of their strategies. The strategic solution for untimely pregnancy of teenagers was the spotlight of the study where these teenagers are secondary students. The internal stakeholders were composed of District GAD coordinators, District Nurses, School GAD coordinators, Secondary Teachers, Health coordinators, ARH coordinators and guidance counselors. In contrast, external stakeholders were the DSWD Pantawid head, MSWDO head, Health Officer, and SK Federation President, WCPD officer, and Secondary parents, who took significant part in the study. With the data gathered, researcher; has come up to a recommendation of programs for the Alabat Island Division of Quezon.The study utilized qualitative methods to come up with better outcomes, which has been done through group interviews. Hence, the sampling design was purposeful sampling to get the most appropriate participants of the study. The study has been conducted in the whole island; that, composed of three municipalities, Perez, Alabat, and Quezon. With the help of thematic analysis of the data, the study has been more organized and meaningful.The results of the strategies employed by the internal and external stakeholders in Alabat island appeared as the comprehensive sex education, abstinence strategy, counseling, youth social development, contraceptive counseling, awareness on rights and protection of the youth, no cellphone policy inside the classroom, parenthood development program and case management. As conclusion, the internal and external stakeholders focus on spreading awareness about topics relating to sex education, such as understanding changes that happened in puberty, proper use of contraceptives, and giving knowledge about HIV and STDs. However, despite the continuous implementation of these strategies, it appears that the emerging cases of teenage pregnancy in Alabat Island continue to increase. As recommendation, since the teenage pregnancy increase in general, the Internal and external stakeholders may continue to initiate multifaceted longterm programs educating the local public on the severe social and public health consequences of unwanted pregnancy. In addition, since the most encountered problems of the stakeholders were the parents’ participation, beliefs and guidance, stakeholders may also consider further programs focusing on proper parenthood and family support to help parents or guardians establish a positive relationship with their children.