Advancing women’s rights and adolescent health in Basilan

To mark the 12th anniversary of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) gathered women, youth, civil society organizations, and Muslim religious leaders in Basilan on December 9 for a consultation on gaps in reproductive health and rally support for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Bill.

Enacted in 2012, the RH Law stands as a landmark legislation institutionalizing reproductive healthcare in the country through family planning, maternal health, comprehensive sexuality education, and information and education campaigns.

Ms. Jeanette C. Rojas, Executive Director of Youth Eco Empower and a long-time women’s rights advocate in Basilan, opened the event by highlighting the urgent need to address inequalities and protect the rights of women and children. PLCPD Deputy Executive Director Ma. Aurora O. Quilala echoed this call, urging collective support to advance women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. She emphasized the need to push for the passage of bills that will help address gaps, including the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Bill, which has been stalled in the Senate since August 2024.

Participants shared insights, calling for stronger policies, better programs, and heightened awareness to protect women and children in Basilan. The consultation ended with a unified call to action as attendees signed a manifesto urging the bill’s immediate passage, reinforcing the growing momentum to address adolescent reproductive health and uphold women’s rights.