BALANGA CITY -- Bataan Second District Representative Jose Enrique Garcia III sought the help of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in addressing the rising number of teenage pregnancy cases in the country.

During the 11th Education Summit held Thursday, August 29, the lawmaker shared that teenage pregnancy is now considered a national social emergency by the National Economic and Development Authority.

Garcia urged PTAs to get involved with the youth to discourage premarital sex by helping them in their decision-making.

“I hope that through our PTAs, we could address this pressing issue because early pregnancy for the youth can affect their studies,” he said.

Garcia also advised parents and teachers to initiate open conversations with students for proper guidance.

“We, as a parent or as a teacher, should give our children the attention they need and talk to them so we could prevent the rising cases of teenage pregnancy in the country,” Garcia added. (PIA Central Luzon)