Teenage mother narrates challenging pregnancy journey
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA)—Rutchelle Bayang, barely 16 years old, stepped forward to share her personal story of becoming a teenage mother during the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga’s Panagtigum sa Munisipyo (gathering at the municipality) at the Sison municipal gymnasium on July 3.
With the theme, “A Teen-Centered Dialogue on Pregnancy,” the grassroots engagement in collaboration with the municipal government of Sison, Surigao del Norte, raised awareness on the realities of early pregnancy, promoted responsible decision-making, and highlighted the importance of education among the youth.
“I was scared to tell my parents, so I confided in my aunt first. She was the one who eventually informed my mother,” said Bayang.
“I was only 14 years old when I got pregnant. It’s not easy to face motherhood at such a young age—especially when you come from a broken family,” she added.
Coming from a broken family, Bayang admitted to undergoing severe emotional distress and isolation during her unplanned pregnancy. She described the fear she felt upon discovering she was pregnant.
“When you have problems and no one is there for you, it feels like you’re all alone,” she said, her voice quivering.
Bayang also shared the pain of being judged and humiliated—not only by her parents and relatives, but also by friends and people around her.
“Back then, I felt like I had no choice but to stay with my partner. I didn’t feel like I had anyone else,” she added.
Despite the challenges, Bayang remained hopeful and took the opportunity to remind her fellow youth of the importance of education and strong family support.
“You are privileged to still be in school. Not everyone gets that chance. It’s very important to have someone who supports your studies—someone who believes in your future,” she emphasized.
Her testimony resonated deeply with the students and participants, serving as a powerful reminder for young people to cherish their education, make informed and responsible life choices, and value the support system they have from their parents, relatives, and benefactors.
The local government unit (LGU) Sison committed to sustain the support to prevent and lessen teenage pregnancy in their community and assured the PIA Caraga and the public to help disseminate information on the said issue.
The Panagtigum is a regional initiative of PIA Caraga designed to bring relevant and timely information to the grassroots level. Through this platform, various sectors of the community—especially the youth—are empowered to engage in dialogues that promote awareness, prevention, and positive transformation. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
