By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
Regional Editor for Caraga
BUTUAN CITY — Cases of adolescent pregnancy in Butuan City dropped by 52.9 percent from 2022 to 2025, but the issue remains a priority concern for the city, according to the Butuan City Public Information Office (Butuan City PIO).
The data was presented during the third-quarter meeting of the Butuan City Development Council (BCDC) Social Development Sector held at the Butuan City Hall on Sept. 22.
The meeting reviewed social development concerns, programs and interventions, including adolescent pregnancy and family planning services.
The presentation showed that adolescent pregnancy cases had declined over the period, although the city continues to monitor the issue, particularly in communities where cases remain high.
In 2024, Libertad recorded 49 adolescent pregnancy cases, the highest among the barangays listed in the presentation, followed by Doongan with 45 and San Vicente with 44.
The data also showed that the highest proportion of adolescents who became pregnant were those with no educational attainment or only elementary-level education.
Adolescent pregnancy refers to pregnancy among girls aged 10 to 19.
The BCDC meeting also reviewed the city’s family planning services. Short-term methods, particularly pills and injectables, remained the most commonly used, while the use of implants increased.
The discussion also highlighted the need to expand information and access to other family planning methods.
The meeting was led by Rosalito B. Libres, chairperson of the BCDC Social Development Sector Working Committee.
The BCDC Social Development Sector conducts meetings to review programs, identify sectoral concerns and plan interventions addressing social development needs in the city.
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