QUEZON CITY -- In its continuing efforts to promote and protect the welfare of teen mothers and their families, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed livelihood and educational assistance to the 28 beneficiaries of Project ProtecTEEN in Antipolo City on Friday, December 2.

Each beneficiary received P10,000 from the Department which was handed over by Standards and Capacity Building Group Undersecretary Denise Florence B. Bragas and former Antipolo City Mayor Andrea Ynares.
Apart from these, the beneficiaries also received vitamins and medicines for their families. They also participated in family sessions conducted by the Department and were provided with employment assistance through the Public Employment Service Office of the local government of Antipolo City.

In his video message, Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo said that the government recognizes the prevailing issue of teenage pregnancy in the country. Thus, the Department will continue and strengthen its efforts to improve the well-being of all Filipino teen mothers and their children.

“Naririto po kami ngayon para magpaabot ng tulong sa mga benepisyaryo ng ProtecTEEN Project dito sa Antipolo City upang masiguro ang maayos na kapakanan ng mga batang magulang at ng kanilang mga anak at pamilya (We are here today to extend help to the beneficiaries of the ProtecTEEN Project here in Antipolo City, to ensure the welfare of teenage parents and their children and families. This includes the financial assistance that is provided to help meet the daily needs of young parents and their children),” Secretary Tulfo said.

Project ProtecTEEN is one of the programs of the Department which aims to provide psychosocial support and other interventions for adolescent mothers and their families. (DSWD)