In the Taripnong press conference conducted by the Public Affairs and Information Assistance Division on March 24, 2026, the Population Division, through Population Program Officer Elvira Tongson with PPO Marnuela Dela Cruz, was invited to discuss timely issues and concerns befalling the female population of the province, in the event of National Women’s Month.
The Population Office reported on their advocacies and campaigns against such issues as teenage pregnancy, as well as the gender and development program and adolescent health development program. The prevalent issue of teenage pregnancy is addressed by the provincial government through the Population Division with capability trainings, information campaigns, and partnerships with the regional offices, the religious sector, civil service organizations, media partners, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The most recent reported population growth rate as received by the Population Division from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is 1.54%. The rates of teen pregnancy across the province had also reportedly dropped, though the municipalities of Diadi, Ambaguio, Quezon, Kayapa, Bagabag, and Villaverde were revealed as having the highest in Nueva Vizcaya. While the province is no longer highest in Region II as it was in previous years, it is measured as being 2nd in growth rate and 3rd in absolute number.
As far as addressing sensitive issues, the Population shared the ordinance passed by the SP for Safe Boarding Houses as a measure against assault. Considered the first of its kind in the region, the Population Division has since been approached by other government units as a benchmark for similar implementations in other localities. The Population Division affirmed its continuing efforts in policy development, maintenance of its also one-of-a-kind population database, and the push for a community-based adolescent recreation center, another measure against teenage pregnancy.
The Population Division emphasized the belief that prevention begins at home, with thorough education and healthy family relationships and communication, as well as the need for stronger policies, livelihood programs, capability training, etc. Through effort and innovation, the most pressing issues affecting the population of the province may be addressed and eventually remedied by the provincial government. /igmb
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