National plan to curb early child marriages in PH launched

Government agencies in the Philippines have partnered up to launch a national plan to end "harmful marriage practices," including child and forced marriages.

The National Action Plan to End Child, Early, Forced Marriages and Unions for 2025–2028 includes measures and proposals to prevent and respond to child marriage, strengthen child protection systems, and address entrenched barriers.

It is a collective effort from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF, and civil society partner PLCPD.

"Kaya nating itigil ang child, early, and forced marriage and unions. As the lead implementer of Republic Act 11596, also known as An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof, the DSWD commits to continue protecting children who are vulnerable and to support those who were forced into child marriages or unions," said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. 

“At UNFPA, we see this action plan as a lifeline, a critical bridge between the law and the lived realities of the most vulnerable. We are committed to working closely with the government to move beyond prohibition by strengthening health and protection systems that support girls, and by engaging directly with communities to shift the social norms that perpetuate this violence," said Neus Bernabeu, UNFPA in the Philippines Country Representative.  

"We must build a Philippines where every girl is empowered to choose her own path.”

Data shows that despite the passage of Republic Act 11596 or the Anti-Child Marriage Act, 1 in 10 girls remain at risk of child marriage.

Relevant agencies stressed that there was still a need for stronger local systems and community engagement to prevent incidents of early child marriage, which often led to early pregnancy and violence.

“We want to make real change to end child marriage.  We can do this by building strong child protection systems, transforming limiting social norms, and ensuring every community has the resources to support and empower children. UNICEF is proud to work alongside government, local partners, and civil society in developing the action plan and strengthening child protection systems so that children don’t have their dreams cut short, and they grow up in safe communities where they can reach their full potential,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Kyungsun Kim. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News