A UNFPA study reveals that early pregnancy significantly contributes to school dropouts among Filipino adolescent girls, with only about 40 percent of those pregnant by age 16 staying on track in their education.
The 15-year “Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child” tracks 5,000 children from age 10 in 2016 until they turn 24 in 2030, examining their education, health, and socio-economic status.
The study found that 2.5 percent of girls had been pregnant by age 16, and nearly 10 percent entered early unions by age 17, with those from poorer families and less-educated mothers at higher risk.
Boys also face educational challenges, with dropouts mainly due to financial pressure and lack of motivation, especially after grades 6, 9, and 10.
The research highlights that delaying sexual initiation and avoiding early unions improve girls’ chances of staying in school, while boys benefit from maintaining school interest and reducing economic pressures.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 20, 2025
