#Nene: Unveiling the Unspoken Realities of Teenage Pregnancy in Damilag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
Researchers: Reynan S. Salo, MA, TSM1 and Hon. Kag. Crisansel Floren2
Affiliations: Northern Bukidnon State College1, BCPC/VAW, Barangay Damilag
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health and social challenge globally, with profound implications for the health, education, and socio-economic well-being of young mothers (herein represented by the name “Nene”, their children, and communities. Despite various interventions, the phenomenon persists in many local contexts, including Damilag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. This proposal outlines a Convergent Parallel Multi-Perspective Design study aimed at comprehensively understanding the underlying causes, lived experiences, and resulting impacts of teenage pregnancy in Damilag, as well as the reasons for its sustained prevalence. Employing a concurrent mixed-methods approach, the study will gather both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously from diverse stakeholders: pregnant teenagers/teenage mothers, their partners, family members, school personnel, barangay officials, and local health center staff/Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). The triangulated findings will provide a holistic and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon, informing localized, evidence-based interventions and policies to effectively address and reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy in Damilag.
Keywords: teenager, pregnancy, motherhood
Updates
Upcoming Activities
The #Nene Initiative: Barog Program Week 2
Venue: TBA
Schedule: January 10, 2025
Community-Based MHPSS for Barangay Damilag
Venue: TBA
Schedule: 1st Quarter of 2026
Validation of Research Result for Extension Partnership
MOU Signing with Interested Partners
Venue: 41 Participating LGUs of Northern Mindanao
Schedule: 1st Quarter of 2026
Implementation of the #Nene Initiative barog Program Week 1/6
On December 27, 2025
Venue: Session Hall, Barangay Damilag, MF Bukidnon
The Barog Program of the #Nene Initiative is a counterpart of the #Nene Initiative. This program focuses on developing strong partnerships in young family and in raising the child, comprehensive sexuality education for young parents, including family planning, emotion and stress regulation, understanding the physiology of women, and the changes that occur in the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal stages, and their needs. Included also in Week 1 is the module on being a Kaabag, more than just a bantay, and Partner, not just provider. Succeeding weeks will focus on other aspects of marital and parental care, including financial awareness, the value of education, life, and relationships, the role, responsibilities, and commitment of a young partner and a father, building better futures, setting goals for the self and the family, building a strong network of support, and other interactive learning sessions. Week 1 modules were facilitated by PGX Damilag Focals, Sir Ralph Vinvent Tejano, Nurse Loura Nuñez, and PGX Core Sir Reynan Salo.
#ParaKayNene
Implementation of the #Nene For Her Initiative
On November 15-16, 2025
Venue: Bamboo Pavilion, Miranda, Damilag, MF Bukidnon
The Pag-amuma Ginhawa Core, together with Barangay Damilag BCPC, the Barangay Health Office, and the local PNP, collaborated to successfully implement the #Nene Initiative. The workshop was facilitated by teenage mothers and pregnant teenagers aged 13 to 19. The For Her Initiative is just the beginning. The partners are preparing for the For Him Initiative called the Barog Curriculum. Followed by the For Kids, For Teenage Boys and Girls, and for Parents. This whole-community approach is designed to address the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy in the Barangay.
#ParaKayNene
#Nene Initiative Barog Program Training of Facilitators
On December 12-14, 2025
Venue: Session Hall, Barangay Damilag, MF Bukidnon
Pag-amuma Ginhawa Extension trained program facilitators for the #Nene Initiative Barog Program. participated by eight local volunteers, the 6-week modules of the Barog Program were demonstrated by the future facilitators in preparation for its implementation on December 27, 2025
#ParaKayNene
#Nene Initiative Training of Trainers Batch 2
On November 7, 2025
Venue: Bamboo Pavilion, Miranda, Damilag, MF Bukidnon
The Ginhawa Core conducted the #Nene Initiative Training of Facilitators Batch 2 for Barangay Damilag. The training was attended by BHWs, nurses, and midwives, and was headed by the Barangay BCPC/VAW Champion, Hon. Kag. Crisansel Floren. The activity was deeply honored by the presence of Hon. Allan E. Cahoy, who gave his short message and gratitude to the initiative, and Hon. SK Chair Janus J. Mata. Ginhawa Core Members Reynan S. Salo, Daniel S. Lerongan, and Kesiya S. Rodas facilitated the Training. The whole-day training was a success, with participants nailing the series of module workshops and role-plays, similar to Batch 1.
#ParaKayNene
#Nene Initiative Training of Trainers Batch 1
On October 30, 2025
Venue: Bamboo Pavilion, Miranda, Damilag, MF Bukidnon
The Ginhawa Core conducted the #Nene Initiative Training of Facilitators for Barangay Damilag. The training was attended by BHWs headed by the Barangay BCPC/VAW Champion Hon. Kag. Crisansel Floren. Ginhawa Core Members Reynan S. Salo, Niemfa Love W. Manginsay, and Genevieve Marie E. Bolanio facilitated the Training. The whole-day training was a success, with participants nailing the series of module workshops and role-plays.
#ParaKayNene