The DILG IV-A, DBM IV-A, and PIA IV-A held the 2025 DAGYAW Open Government Town Hall Meeting on September 24, 2025 at Southern Luzon State University, Lucban, Quezon. With the theme, Adolescent Pregnancy and Sexual Violence: A Cycle of Vulnerability and Resilience, the town hall gathered Civil Society Organizations, people’s organizations, students, and representatives from national government agencies to discuss pressing issues, share insights, propose solutions, and promote responsive governance. A total of 437 onsite participants of which 300 are students, 29 are staff and faculty, 35 are from LGUs, 16 are from LSWDO, 7 are from CSOs, 22 are from other National Government Agencies, 28 from DILG IV-A Regional and Provincial Offices, and around 14,000 online viewers participated in this year’s DAGYAW.

The participants were warmly welcomed by the President of SLSU, Dr. Frederick T. Villa and the Regional Director of DBM IV-A, Dir. Nympha R. Manalastas. The former highlighted in his message the role of the university in addressing societal issues, stressing that “universities are more than just institutions of learning but also beacons of transformation that mold future professionals, parents, and citizens.” Dir. Manalastas also presented alarming data, particularly on the increasing teenage pregnancy cases among girls under 15 years old in CALABARZON, and discussed contributing factors and the heightened vulnerability of young victims. Framing the issue as both a public health and systemic concern, she urged stakeholders to shift the narrative from “blame to protection and from silence into action.”

To show their support to the activity, Ms. Alicia Manuel, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Support for Local Governance Program and Atty. Socorro Veria on behalf of Hon. Agustin M. Villaverde, Mayor of Lucban, Quezon delivered their message by emphasizing the relevance of this kind of initiative in promoting open and transparent governance. They encouraged the attendees, both online and onsite, to actively participate in the discussion.

As a platform for open dialogue and strengthened collaboration between the government and the people, 2025 DAGYAW invited resource persons (RPs) from different agencies – Commission on Population and Development IV-A, Department of Social Welfare and Development IV-A, and Police Regional Office IV-A. The RPs shared their knowledge and expertise during the context setting by presenting relevant data and providing the rationale behind the conduct of this year’s DAGYAW.

According to the data presented during the town hall report, CALABARZON still ranks highest among all regions in the number of teenage pregnancy cases. Based on the 2023 data, 17,764 live births of adolescent mothers aged 15-19 were recorded in Region IV-A of which Cavite Province ranks first. Stressing the need for a continued implementation of data-driven interventions, she emphasized the statement of Dr. Esperanza Cabral about teenage pregnancy saying that “Good news [the cases is] declining but one pregnant teenager is still one pregnant teenager, too many.”

The three resource persons also presented the list of programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) of their agencies that help in addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse. Through this, participants coming from CSOs, NGAs, and other organizations will be able to identify the PPAs which they can also adapt in their communities. The last town hall reporter focused on discussing the Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act) and its implementing rules and regulations which highlighted the State’s strengthened commitment to protect children from sexual violence, especially online. 

To further explore key governance and social issues, three rounds of talakayan were moderated by the hosts. A set of panel discussants coming from different sectors facilitated the discussions – Non-Government Organizations, academe, and National Government Agencies. Through this talakayan, participants were able to ask questions, enabling an open and meaningful exchange of ideas. The talakayan highlighted the different challenges that several agencies and organizations experienced while implementing programs that addresses teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse among children and youth. This part also allows the attendees to identify possible areas and ways where they can help to reduce cases of adolescent pregnancy and sexual abuse in the region.

The event ended with the closing message from Dir. Darrell I. Dizon, CESO V, Assistant Regional Director of DILG IV-A. He expressed his gratitude to Southern Luzon State University, partner agencies, civil society organizations, and all participants for their active involvement in DAGYAW 2025. He emphasized that DAGYAW embodies the spirit of bayanihan and open governance, serving as a platform for meaningful dialogue and joint problem-solving. He emphasized the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancy and sexual abuse and highlighted the importance of students’ and stakeholders’ participation in co-creating solutions. ARD Dizon closed by encouraging continued collaboration to break cycles of vulnerability, empower youth, and ensure communities become safe and supportive spaces for adolescents and children.