What is your reaction to a World Bank finding that RP teenage pregnancies are on the rise?

I consider this as a result of declining family values due to irresponsible parenting, a mediocre educational system, and politicking religious entities. – Rey Onate, Palayan City

The findings may be a reflection that more and more parents have miserably failed to build sacred walls around their homes. – Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte

Times have changed

Times have changed. We have to accept the fact that our teenagers are sexually active and they need to practice safe sex to avoid unwanted pregnancies. – Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City

Teenage pregnancies are as ordinary as our corrupt officials today. In Minien-Tebag High School in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, passersby are no longer surprised to see high school students necking and petting beneath the bamboo groves and mango trees at the back of the school. I’ve personally seen some of them. That’s the truth brought about by the kind of movies and telenovelas they watch. Imagine, scenes that used to be censored are now seen and viewed by our youth. – Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan

Our social institutions have failed to address lifestyle changes. With proper reproductive health laws, moral values and education, our youth can better avoid teenage pregnancies. – C.B. Fundales, Bulacan

This isn’t news anymore

Hindi na bago ang rising teenage pregnancies na finding ng World Bank sa bansa natin. Even in the 1970s, prevalent na rin ito. – Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan

I think the World Bank is a decade late in finding this out. The rise started years back, but it’s only now that we’re seeing it as a problem. Blame it on gas prices or any other absurd reason you have in mind. We are good at reasoning; I’m sure these pregnant teenagers have reasons too. Blame it on cell phones? Oh no, I say, blame it on the weather. – Rico Fabello, Parañaque City

I am in no position to refute the World Bank findings, as it must have been supported by research-based data, etc. To my mind, however, the scenario has been so common over the years in many parts of the world that it is just unfair to single out the Philippines. – Manny Cordeta, Marikina City

The World Bank is like mothers who are always the last to know. Way back when “free love, LSD, grass, TM, peace and anti-Vietnam war” ’70s hippies roamed the earth along with the T-rex, a Newsweek cartoon showed the Three Kings nearing the manger, with one of them asking, “Whoa, aren’t we condoning teenage pregnancies?” Mary was a teenager then! – Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City

A concerned citizen doesn’t need the World Bank finding to know a common fact. That’s why many, except the church, are for the Reproductive Health Bill and the prevention of STDs. Why does the World Bank underscore only teenage pregnancies? What about the more dreadful cases of abortion? – Rodolfo Capili, Caloocan City

Contributing factors

This is the effect of lack of sex education, promiscuity, and the sale of pornographic materials. – C.B. Manalastas, Manila

The contributing factors are the proliferation of pornographic magazines and X-rated tapes, parental negligence, low moral values, bad influences, impulsiveness and poverty. – Concepcion Gaspar, Laoag City

The findings are accurate. Why are teenage pregnancies on the rise? Blame it on vanity and colonial mentality among children of the ruling class. They copy what they see in Hollywood movies, where “liberated” children have sex only to know what it feels like. – Elpidio Que, Vigan

My reaction is one of disgust because information on increasing teenage pregnancies has gone global via the World Bank. Ito ay nakakahiya. I became aware of this when I evaluated the much-debated Reproduction Health Bill, which espouses sex education even for pre-teenage pupils, to write my personal stand on the matter in my school, Don Bosco Center of Studies. The sex education we have now promotes promiscuity as it leads children to experiment on some of the lessons they get. Of course, other factors also play a big part, such as the increasing number of urban squatters. Lately, Internet access has also allowed school children to view pornographic materials. – I.Q. Calata, Parañaque City

Who’s to blame?

Who is to blame for the rise in teenage pregnancies? Is it the failure of our religious authorities to do their ministerial role to enlighten parents and their children on morality? – Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City

The non-existence of sexual education and the Church’s stand on contraceptives art the main reasons for the rise of teenage pregnancies and resulting abortions. – Alfred Thieme, Batangas City

Many teenage girls go into prostitution because of difficult times. The Church’s stand on contraceptives also contribute to the problem, resulting in pregnancies and half a million abortions. – Robert Young Jr., San Juan

Technology is the culprit

That’s true. Students are glued to their cellphones, busy texting their text mates; they keep changing SIM cards, etc. The abuse of high technology is the main culprit for teenage pregnancies. – Diony Yap, Bacolod City

The Filipino youth have been afflicted with Western ideas on love and courtship. Then, there’s the strong influence of uncensored “sexcapades” on the Internet. – Leonard Villa, Batac City

It must be the effect of the proliferation of sex videos over the Internet and easy access to X-rated DVDs. – Vic Alim, Caloocan City

The youth no longer have the privilege of having an educated family to guide them. Those among the elite circle blame it on decaying morals and values coupled by the birth of the cyberage. – Imee Aglibot, Rizal

I don’t buy that

I’m sorry but I don’t believe the news item that teenage pregnancy is on the rise in this country. There’s a better survey the World Bank can do: They should compare the number of teenage pregnancies in Catholic high schools against the pregnancies in science high schools. – Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City

Teenagers are just being teenagers

Teenage pregnancy is on the rise because of different reasons: 1. Peer pressure; 2. The rebellious nature of teenagers; 3. Their sense of adventure. – Jojit Yu, Pitogo, Quezon

It’s because of teenage curiosity of the environment they are in and their upbringing. – Johann Lucas, Quezon City

The church ought to know

It doesn’t take a genius, or in this case the World Bank, to see that teenage pregnancies are prevalent nowadays. The fact that the government and the Church are neglecting the needs of the younger generation to know about sex is pretty much the reason for this. The government doesn’t have the balls to contradict the Church for fear of being booted out of power, while the Church, with its medieval beliefs, choose not to see the immediate need to provide education about sex and contraceptives to the people. – Alvin Perez, Manila

Well, I could only agree teenage pregnancies are prevalent among poor families andsome showbiz personalities because of lack of faith and guidance. – Nap Cinco, Rizal

If the World bank foots the hospital bills for these teenage pregnancies, then the rise would pose no problem at all. Otherwise, the report should be addressed to the bishops. – Jose Fabello Jr., Misamis Oriental

A wake-up call for parents

It’s a sad reality that due to economic reasons, some parents have neglected their children. While many have accepted teenage pregnancy as a way of life, I believe that if we are only open to our kids about protecting themselves from unplanned pregnancies (and sexually-transmitted diseases), we can avoid future headaches such as abortion or irresponsible parenting. – Marielle Quiboquibo, Rizal

The findings are absolutely true and alarming. Kailangan ang malaking papel ng magulang sa ganitong mga problema. Pangaralan natin ang ating mga anak para na rin sa kanilang kinabukasan. – Luis Riva, Masbate

I’m afraid so, and we should curb this societal ill. Guidance begins at home from early childhood, then in school through college. Let’s not blame the church, moralists, or social workers. – Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City

That’s an old issue that hasn’t been given any solutions. What now? This also contributes to our overpopulation and declining morals. These days, teenagers indulge in pre-marital sex for fun. Blame this on the lack of parental guidance, family problems, and the influence of bad company. It’s a sinful world and temptation abounds. Yung pagsunud-sunod where they are to check, it’s useless. Let them fly and explore. What’s important is di ka nagkulang sa pangaral as a parent. – Rose Leobrera, Manila

Media promotes sex, promiscuity

I’m no longer surprised that teenage pregnancies are on the rise because sex is all over TV, the Internet, radio, print, and even fashion. – L.C. Fiel, Quezon City

Promiscuity and pornography is promoted on TV, radio, movies, magazines, and the Internet. The sin of lust of the eyes and flesh is encouraged among teenagers. – Delfin Todcor, Mt. Province

It hurts but it’s true. Today’s youth is being influenced by media and Western ideas. – Ric Vergara, Calamba

I’m not really surprised, given the loose morals of today’s youth, due to the media’s mania towards shows and films with morally empty characters and stories. – Dino Monzon, Caloocan City

Today’s youth is liberated and wild

Because of Western influences, our youth today is liberated and wild. Exposed to pornographic materials, they’re encouraged to engage in sex. It’s sad, but I think these young people don’t believe that premarital sex is wrong and is against God’s laws. – E. Linsangan, Isabela

I fully agree with the findings of the World Bank that teenage pregnancies are on the rise. The same thing is also happening in the US. – Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City

Teenage pregnancies are on the rise because our teenagers are now liberated but were not taught about safe sex as in other countries. The World Bank must be subtly pointing out our serious economic problem brought about by overpopulation. They have the solution to our problem: We should import contraceptives. – Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City

Well, it’s to be expected of stupid, cheap teenagers who now have more carnal knowledge but don’t mind the consequences. – Lorenzo Fernandez Jr., Nueva Ecija

I can blame neither parents nor poverty. Lack of prudence and being unscrupulously busy with pleasure that has caused this. – Cris Rivera, Rizal

We’re becoming a permissive society

We are fast becoming a permissive society. Many parents, the government and the Church are sleeping on the job. We now have a total breakdown of morals and order. – Jim Veneracion, Naga City

It’s a phenomenon brought about by a permissive society like ours. In this matter, we are at par with our American and European brothers. –  Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City

Lalo pong maghihirap ang ating bansa. Marami po kasing mga x-rated materials, droga at alak ang nagkalat ngayon, kaya nabubuntis at kapabayaan na rin. – Richard Decena, Quezon City

It’s sad that the apparent breakdown of parental authority could be one of various causes of teenage pregnancies. Sexual permissiveness due to the current liberal outlook also caused this. – William Gonzaga, Marikina City

An alarming fact

I am not surprised and I believe that their findings are correct. This painful truth is very alarming. – Salvacion Tomines, Tarlac City

It is really alarming for a Catholic country. Sex education should be taught at home and schools. – Digoy Coro, Batangas City

Coming unexpectedly so early, parents of both parties would really be very shocked. Facing the music would be the only choice. – Jun Cajucom, Tacloban City

I’ve watched several documentaries on GMA 7 showing pregnant teenagers as young as 13 years old. We also cannot ignore the rising rate of abortion, where a big percentage is composed of teenagers. I think it’s attributed to our weakening economic status and it’s very alarming. – Ella Arenas, Pangasinan

A good argument for the RH Bill

Let’s hurry up the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill. Ignore the CBCP, et al. They have become a nuisance. – Romeo Caubat, Masbate

That’s believable, so there’s a need to educate our young ones to be aware of the consequences of their “itchiness”. The Reproductive Health Bill might neutralize it. – Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City

I think the problem is that teenagers who practice pre-marital sex don’t use contraceptives or any birth control method. – June Deoferio, Cavite City

Promoting contraception leads to this

It is to be expected as a result of the widespread promotion of contraception. – Jae delos Santos, Muntinlupa City

It could be that the dark side of the Reproductive Health Bill is enticing our youth into promiscuity armed with a wrong sense of security. – Ruel Bautista, Laguna

THINKING OUT LOUD

US government leaders are acting quickly and cooperating to find a solution to their financial crisis. Can our leaders move as fast and as unselfishly? – Nony de Leon, Bulacan

THE WAY I SEE IT

No matter what its proponents say, the Reproductive Health bill aims to kill the unborn. Clearly, it’s a massacre of the innocents. – Nito Aquino, Makati City

Companies should not only be in business for business sake or motivated by profit alone, but more so by social concern and responsibility. – Delfin Todcor, Mt. Province

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

NEXT INBOX QUESTION: As you see it, how do the values of today’s youth differ from those of the older generation?

To send your views and comments to INBOX WORLD:

If registered, text philstar<space>fb<space>your message

and send to 2256 (all networks)

To register, text philstar<space>reg<space>name,gender,birthdate,address

and send to 2256 (all networks)

You may also email your views to: [email protected] or log on to www.philstar.com