QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched Project ProtecTEEN which aims to provide psychosocial support and other interventions for teenage mothers and their families on August 10 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. 

The DSWD rolled out the project in coordination with the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) as part of its projects included in the government’s Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and Their Children.

“As a national agency mandated to provide care and social protection to the most in need, this project is vital in our programs and services, especially in the overall social protection packages for the youth and women sectors, with a special concern for the Department’s goal of developing them to their utmost potential,” Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo said. 

Project ProtecTEEN is a social welfare model of intervention that intends to create a supportive environment for adolescent mothers and their families. The strategy of this framework includes the empowerment of teenage mothers through the provision of direct social services and assistance, referral to other agencies, and organizing peer advocates. 

In addition, it serves as a platform that provides an enabling environment by increasing awareness among young parents on parenting responsibilities and helping them attain developmental tasks, cope with the demands of parenting, and perform their social roles. 

Meanwhile, the Department stressed that this project is the newest addition to its menu of interventions that caters to the needs of the said sector in pursuit of protecting and promoting their rights and psychosocial well-being.

The target clientele of the ProtecTEEN are adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19 years old, their children, partners, and other household members who provide support to them. It will be piloted in three local government units such as Antipolo City, Malabon City, and Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Aside from the project launch, a Memorandum of Agreement and a Pledge of Commitment were also signed by the DSWD and concerned local chief executives in the pilot areas, and other partner agencies at the local level. 

The DSWD is optimistic that through child-friendly, gender-responsive, and rights-based approaches, the capacities of young mothers in performing their social and parenting duties will be enhanced. (DSWD)