Youth urged to back RH bill

THE National Youth Commission (NYC) is encouraging the youth to support efforts to pass the Reproductive Health (RH) bill in Congress.

Leon Flores, the chairman of the commission, said the agency would continue to campaign for the passage of the bill since it would be a significant facto to slow down the increasing cases of teenage pregnancy in the country.

According to a 2010 study presented by NYC commissioner at large Percival Cenares, 47 percent of the youth in the country drop out of school due to teenage pregnancy.

The NYC officials conducted a regional consultation yesterday at the National Economic Development Authority office.

The consultation was attended by youth representatives from non-government organizations, local government units, school and community organizations.

“We are looking for more ways to raise awareness and understanding on the RH bill among our youth,” Flores said.

The result of the consultation would be included as part of the government’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP). Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya and Correspondent Gio Garcia