17 January 2025 – Children are raising awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and on the prevention of the Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC).

The Children Advisory Group (CAG) of the DtZ Philippine Alliance issued a strong statement urging the immediate passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) Bill. The statement, developed entirely by children, reflects their lived experiences, perspectives, and hopes for the future.

“Naniniwala kami na ang APP Bill ay mahalagang hakbang para mabigyan kami ng kakayahang gumawa ng tamang at responsableng desisyon tungkol sa aming mga katawan at karapatan,” the children wrote in their statement.

They emphasized the urgent need for the bill, stating, “Mababawasan nito ang kaso ng maagang pagbubuntis. Kami, mga kabataan, ay makakagawa ng mas maingat na mga desisyon kapag may sapat kaming kaalaman tungkol sa sexual at reproductive health at mga kaugnay na karapatan. Sa pamamagitan ng tamang edukasyon, malalaman namin ang dapat at hindi dapat gawin sa aming mga katawan.”

The children also highlighted the broader impact of the APP Bill: “Ang batas na ito ay lumilikha ng malawak na epekto. Kapag may sapat kaming kaalaman tungkol sa epekto ng adolescent pregnancy at ang kahalagahan ng pag-iwas dito, magkakaroon kami ng pagkakataong umunlad at maabot ang aming mga pangarap. Maaari nitong tuldukan ang siklo ng kahirapan at pang-aabuso—hindi lamang para sa amin, kundi para sa aming pamilya at komunidad.”

The statement further emphasized the importance of preparing future generations:

“Sa pamamagitan ng sapat na kaalaman tungkol sa sexual at reproductive health, masisiguro naming magiging maalam at handa ang mga anak namin balang araw. Itinataguyod nito ang respeto at pag-unawa na maghahatid sa mas malusog na relasyon at komunidad.”

Recognizing the importance of collective action, the children called for boys and young men to be part of the solution. “Hindi lang nito pinoprotektahan ang mga batang babae—iniimbitahan din nito ang mga lalaki na maging bahagi ng solusyon. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtataguyod ng mutual respect, shared responsibility, at tamang paggawa ng desisyon, makakalikha tayo ng mas ligtas at suportadong kapaligiran para sa lahat.”

The children concluded their statement with a heartfelt appeal to lawmakers: *“Ang APP Bill ay higit pa sa isang lifeline—isa itong game-changer. Binibigyan kami nito ng lakas, pinoprotektahan ang aming mga karapatan, at naghahanda ng daan para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan.”

“Hinihiling namin sa mga mambabatas na bigyang-prayoridad ang batas na ito—hindi lamang para sa amin, kundi para sa mga susunod na henerasyon.”

Access the full Children Alliance Group statement here.

About the Down to Zero (DtZ) Philippine Alliance

The DtZ Philippine Alliance, comprised of Terre des Hommes Netherlands, Child Rights Coalition Asia, ECPAT Philippines, and Plan International Pilipinas, leads the implementation of the Stepping Up the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children (SUFASEC) program. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SUFASEC is part of a global effort to end the sexual exploitation of children across twelve countries in Asia and Latin America.

This initiative is a testament to the power of children’s advocacy. By amplifying their voices and taking their insights seriously, we can build a future where every child is protected, empowered, and able to thrive.

#OurBodiesOurVoicesOurRights