Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy speaks about the city’s progress.
Effective leadership that prioritizes doing the right thing leads to positive outcomes. In Dipolog City, Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy has taken a proactive approach to addressing teenage pregnancies, positioning the city as a leader in tackling this issue. Even before it became a national priority in 2021, Mayor Uy had already begun implementing strategic measures.
In 2018, Dipolog’s adolescent birth rate (ABR) was 73.8 per 1,000 live births, with 548 adolescents giving birth. While the ABR declined to 55.6 in 2019 (420 births), it remained above the national target of 37.
A Unified Stand Against Teenage Pregnancies
When Dipolog joined The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in 2020, the partnership provided clearer direction for addressing adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) issues. Mayor Uy then established the City Leadership Team, known as Team BABII – Batang Ama, Batang Ina Initiative (Team of Young Dads and Moms Initiative). He explained:
I called on team members to create a unified, comprehensive youth program that adopted a whole-of-government, whole-of-society, and whole-of-systems approach.”
This initiative gained broad support from city departments, national agencies, and NGOs. One major achievement was the Department of Education’s involvement in youth summits for Grades 8 and 9 students, raising awareness about sexuality and reproductive health. The city also facilitated parent-teen dialogues and interactive sessions on adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Data-Driven Programs
With TCI’s guidance, Dipolog began collecting disaggregated data to design more targeted programs. Previously, health data broadly covered women aged 0 to 49, but Mayor Uy pushed for more specific data collection, focusing on ages 10 to 14 and 15 to 19 to better understand the issue. As a result, Dipolog’s ABR dropped from 50 births per 1,000 in 2020, to 31 in 2023, and is projected to reach 25 by the end of 2024. Monthly audits ensure data accuracy. Mayor Uy emphasized:
We now regularly collect, monitor, and analyze age-specific data to guide planning and programming,”
Empowered Health Workers
Dipolog also benefited from TCI’s Leadership for Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Cities (LAYFC) program, which trained city health and education leaders to identify root causes and implement solutions. The city partnered with the Department of Health and the Commission on Population and Development for technical training, strengthening local capacity.
The TCI team in Dipolog City.
Doctors, nurses, and midwives received training in modern family planning methods through the Family Planning Competency-Based Training (FPCBT), which helped lead to an increase in modern contraceptive use (mCPR) from 47% in 2019 to 55% in 2023.
The LAYFC program extended to youth and barangay (village) leaders, increasing their involvement in addressing AYSRH issues. Many barangay health workers (BHWs) became more engaged, including Mesla Saladdani, who reflected:
If TCI existed when I was younger, I wouldn’t have been a teen mom.”
Today, BHWs actively support young parents, and programs such as scholarships and livelihood initiatives help keep them in school.
Expanding Access and Support
Dipolog also invested in adolescent-friendly health facilities (AFHFs). By 2024, all 28 health centers in the city were accredited as AFHFs, offering youth-focused services such as counseling, immunization, and health education. These facilities have attracted young people from both Dipolog and neighboring towns.
The city’s commitment to youth welfare was further reinforced by the enactment of the Child and Youth Welfare Code in 2022, which outlines children’s rights and the responsibilities of parents and local government. Additionally, Dipolog has consistently increased its annual budget for AYSRH and family planning programs.
Ensuring Long-Term Impact
While Dipolog graduated from TCI’s direct support in November 2024, stakeholders are confident that its AYSRH efforts will continue. Mayor Uy and his team have institutionalized programs to ensure sustainability beyond his term. By engaging and training youth, community leaders, and agency heads, they have built a strong network of advocates committed to adolescent health and well-being.
Dipolog’s success in addressing teenage pregnancies serves as a model for other communities. By leveraging data-driven strategies, investing in youth empowerment, and fostering partnerships, the city has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible. Moving forward, the goal remains clear: to create a future where young people can thrive and reach their full potential.
