positive RWS Literary Folio

we all have a story we will never tell.

a literary folio by DOCE

LUSTFUL CARRESS Geraldine D. Escabarte I met a boy as mighty and strong He was sweet and kind, but could I be wrong?

For his intentions weren’t good for too long Yet I was lured by him for his voice enchanted me like a siren’s song The feelings of hunger and pleasure arose He ran his fingers from my stomach to the tip of my toes From there he started clearing my woes And his enchanted voice whispered “You're lovey like that of a rose” Later that night I lay there in distress, As he unbuttoned and unzipped the back of my dress This isn’t love at all, this is clearly a mess Just a night full of lustful caress A few weeks later I started vomiting I never thought that night would have this kind of ending As I grip the positive pregnancy test in my hand I imagine the dark future that I would have to withstand

About The Cover sed pots were thrown into a filthy sink, symbolizing poverty. They represent the people's responsibility as they were not cleansed. Responsibility and poverty are two variables that contribute to teen pregnancy. Will the continuous economic and health dangers provided by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reduce the likelihood of teenage pregnancy?

U

Words by Josh Benedict M. Baroman

i DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

Pregnancy among girls aged 10–19 years remains a global issue that requires urgent attention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 16 million girls aged between 15 and 19 years and approximately one million girls younger than 15 years give birth every year. With the current state of the world, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a significant increase in pregnancies. Nearly two million Filipino women, ages 15-49 years old, are expected to get pregnant, and 10 percent of these pregnancies are girls below 20. Many of these women are expected to give birth nine months after the imposed community quarantines. According to the Population Commission (POPCOM), over 160,000 adolescent minors may become or continue to be the heads of their families by the end of 2021.

The primary objective of this Literary Folio is to spread awareness and properly educate others regarding teenage pregnancy. The folio features a collection of literary pieces that address its various issues. It utilizes and employs the nine different Patterns of Development and conveys the feelings and thoughts of the author regarding the subject.

Geraldine D. Escabarte Editor-in-Chief

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

ii

First and foremost, we would like to praise and thank our Almighty Father for His grace and the wisdom that He bestowed upon us throughout the making of our literary folio. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped us finish this project.

To Ma'am Fe Pablico, our Reading and Writing Skills adviser, thank you for guiding us throughout the making of this literary folio and and for providing us with the opportunity to work on such a project. As this being said, with utmost appreciation, we would like to thank the following people: To Ms. Geraldine D. Escabarte, our group leader and editor-in-chief, for her neverending suggestions and guidance throughout the completion of this folio.

To Ms. Lierah Jane M. Abejula, our article editor and writer, for her reviews and valuable comments that aided in the final production of the folio's contents.

To the article writers: Niea Chaz S. Bagotchay, Kyle Lylevans R. Terenal, Sophia Bianca P. Libe, Keisha Destiny C Masihod, Kaye Nicole Jagonos, Chloe Zazne C. Dunque, Shairalin A. Panaligan and Floyd V. Magto for their unique and informative articles. We would like to highlight their significant contributions as they provided the contents of the literary folio.

To the creative artists, Josh Benedict M. Baroman, Jomar S. Fuertes and Keisha Destiny C. Masihod, for providing the layouts and designs. This literary folio would not have been possible without them.

Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to our parents and friends for their unending support and understanding.

iii

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

iv

Table of Contents. v

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

1

3

youth misspent

a mother to soon

definition

narrative

5 exemplification

4 burdens of teenage mothers

a young mother's anguish

6

descriptive

7 forced & consensual

social impact on teenage pregnancy

compare & contrast

a blessing or curse classification

cause & effect

11

13

evading early parenting

persuasion

problem & solution

DOCE Publication

9

15

the weight of teenage pregnancy: the sequel of being a young mom

editorial board

www.grshs-x.doce.com

vi

definition

T

eenage pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that happens before the age of twenty. This is a global issue and is one of the most pressing matters confronting today’s modern Filipino youth. It occurs most commonly between females aged 13 to 19. However, there are girls as young as ten who are already able to have sex and often become pregnant and give birth.

Having a lower status family, growing up with a single parent, having older sexually active family members, pregnant or parenting teenage sisters, and being a victim of sexual abuse are all factors that put youth at risk of adolescent pregnancy.

1 DOCE Publication

Adolescents who desire to avoid pregnancy may be unable to do just that because of undesirable events or it may be unexpected due the lack of knowledge and being unable to obtain or utilize contraceptives. When all people engaging in any sort of sexual activity willingly participate, this is known as sex with consent. For sex to be consensual, both person must agree to it at all times. But, there are certain situations in which the other person was persuaded, forced, tricked into doing so, this is called coercion.

Any sexual activity that occurs without any proper consent can be considered as sexual violence or rape.

convenient access to contraception, enactment of policy on marriageable age, parental value against teen sexual act or unprotected intercourse, and taking a stand against sexual coercion and rape all appear to reduce the probability of teenage pregnancy.

The rising importance of education,

www.grshs-x.doce.com

Abortions are against the law in the Philippines, but some midwives and others will use bitter gourd — believed to cause a miscarriage when ingested — and other methods to terminate a pregnancy.

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com 2

narrative

A Moth er Too Soon

by Niea Ch az S. Bago tchay

JOAN, 15. started sex at the age of 13, became pregnant at 14, and gave birth at the age of 15.

Based on data from the World Bank, as seen in the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) January 2020 Policy Brief on Eliminating Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines, there are “47 annual births per 1000 Filipinas (aged 15 19)” with the global average being 44, and “every day 500 adolescent girls are either getting pregnant or giving birth.”

“I can’t imagine a different kind of life.

Sometimes, I still play tag in the water with my brothers.”

3 DOCE Publication

A

t the age of 12, Joan Garcia showed interest in leaping into the sea and racing the boys to the nearest pylon. She liked playing tag.

The smallest things she can do just to feel a sense of happiness and joy despite the poor situation she was in. Being ignorant of life is not something she can be blamed for. Privilege exists differently for every person in the Philippines, knowing the current status of hunger and poverty of the country. But despite that, she found everything fun and bright. Until she turned 13, when she started having sex.

Joan lives with her 16 relatives in a fish port of Navotas, Manila. On a small raft of bamboo poles and scavenged wood, tied to a broken cement pylon, bobbing behind a row of steel shipping vessels docked in the fish port. Her father brings in some money from doing odd jobs at the port while her mother cleans mussels on the concrete floor. Due to the scarcity of necessities, their family usually gets thirsty and hungry and survives by begging sailors for food and water.

Joan became pregnant at 14 and gave birth at 15. Her early pregnancy took away the joyful childhood that she could’ve cherished at an early age. As the influence

responsibility of being a teenage mother embraces her, she had to quit school and find a job to help bring in money and food for her family.

The education and opportunities that could help her get out from poverty have become hard to achieve, given the poor situation, Joan and her family are in. Joan once said that since she became a mother, she’s embarrassed to play kids’ games. If only she was educated enough about sex, she could’ve had a chance to have a more comfortable life.

As young as 15 years old, Joan already has a very big responsibility to care for and has little to no support from anyone. The effects of teenage pregnancy to young mothers include risks such as premature birth, stillbirth, maternal mortality, health risks, and a high possibility of their education getting interrupted. The main reasons for the high rate of teenage pregnancies are inadequate sex education and a lack of access to birth control.

www.grshs-x.doce.com

descriptive

Burdens of Teenage Mothers W

hat does teenage pregnancy feel like?

It's never easy to be a mother at such a young age. Constant stares and whispers of other people are suffocating as if you were underwater gasping for air. The disbelief and disgusted looks plastered on their faces.

The scathing criticisms are stabbing you in the back and even sometimes shot straight to your face.

Irregular periods in teenagers are natural, but most are nervous when this occurs because it is hard to put in mind that in just a positive test, your future sinks, and all of your dreams and hope shatter in just a snap of time.

Most teen moms experience disbelief, anger, and guilt every day, and it is the hardest part of being pregnant. The constant anxiety and disappointment that they feel for the mistake that they cannot mend. Carrying a child at such a young age means being responsible for another life while dealing with your

DOCE Publication

own, which renders you not living your teenage life to the fullest.

Teens who are involved in teenage pregnancy experience depression and anxiety. They believe that everyone will judge and not accept them. As a result, they hear voices in their head saying abortion is the answer. But some will not resort to this as they believe it is a gift from above. As it is partly true, the fact that they engaged in such an act at an early age will never be acceptable.

Bear in mind that it takes two to tango so it also takes two to prevent it.

In present times, teenage pregnancy is most likely normalized as cases like this rise every year. This proves that proper education about this matter is a must to ensure that teenagers will be knowledgeable enough and will be able to live their lives to the fullest.

What are the challenges of being pregnant at an early age?

Teens are at a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and other complications than average-age mothers. There will be consequences such as premature birth and low birth weight.

The study "Maternal Health Challenges Experienced by Adolescents," found six major maternal health challenges faced by adolescents during pregnancy namely, psychosocial challenges, physical abuse, denial of basic human rights, unfriendly adolescent services, lack of legal and cultural protection, and lack of birth preparedness.

www.grshs-x.doce.com 4

exemplification

A

re minors prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of parenthood? Are they even well educated about pregnancy with all the risks, consequences and challenges? Raising a child while also being a child" is most likely out of the question. Given that you still lack sufficient education and work experience, it would greatly bring inevitable impacts to your life, and it surely won’t be the same to what your life was like before. There is indeed a lot to learn about pregnancy, such as the difficulties that teenagers face.

Expenses For instance, economically, a teen is unable to support a child because infant care is costly and teenagers are still incapable of supporting a child. Considering the expenses of baby foods, bottles, diapers, clothing, toys, a crib, and other necessities, raising a child on one's own would be impossible. Being responsible for another person's emotional, physical, and financial well-being would be extremely too much for a teenager.

Management Another thing, being a student and a parent is a difficult combination to manage. School is already time-consuming and caring for an infant is significantly more so. With these

5 DOCE Publication

factors in mind, the majority of new mothers have difficulty concentrating and finding time to rest, let alone complete homework. As a result, most of them choose to drop out of school instead.

Possible family conflict Many parents are understandably upset when they learn that their child is pregnant. In the worst-case scenario, parents have kicked their pregnant daughters out of the house without any support. Even in the best-case scenario, where parents are supportive, family dynamics are likely to change with a new family member.

www.grshs-x.doce.com

classification

Social Impact on Teenage Pregnancy

by Kaye Nicole Jagonos

The lower class

T

he lower class is characterized by poverty, homelessness, and unemployment. Individuals in this class, the majority of whom have not completed high school, lack adequate housing and food, adequate clothing, adequate safety, and vocational training. They are more likely than the other classes to become teen parents since they are less educated than the other classes. Most of them are ignorant about family planning and have no idea what safe sex is.

Changes to mental health Another example is that becoming a teenager and pregnant are among the risk factors for depression. When these two factors are combined, the risk increases. There are several causes for mental health changes such as, experiencing pregnancy complications, etc.

Health risks Lastly and the most important thing is the health risks. The problem is that teenage girls are not done growing and fully maturing, therefore, when they become pregnant, it induces problems not only on the baby but the mother as well. There is this general rule that says “The younger the mother, the greater risk of complications for both the mother and child.”

Especially in this time, it’s common that a lot of pregnant teenage mothers deny the fact that they are indeed pregnant, so they ignore the proper care that she needs for the growing baby inside of her.

DOCE Publication

The middle class The middle class is the “sandwich” class. These white-collar workers earn more than those lower down the "social ladder," but less than those higher up. The middle class is made up of educated people with lower incomes such as managers, small business owners, teachers, and secretaries. Most pregnant teens from the middle class raise their children and are more likely to be accepted by their families as a part of the process of developing self-awareness.

The upper class The upper class includes those aristocratic and “high‐society” families with “old money” who have been rich for generations. These extremely wealthy people live off the income from their inherited riches. Teens with a high socioeconomic class are not necessarily less likely to get pregnant but are more likely to have a "pregnancy failure," which is commonly referred to as abortion. Financially, they suffer less compared to the other classes.

Poverty and teenage pregnancy Teen pregnancy is strongly linked to poverty, with low income level associated with higher teen birth rates. In addition, 63% of teen mothers receive public assistance within the first year of a child’s birth. 52% of mothers on welfare had their first child in their teens. Low educational attainment among teen mothers affects their economic opportunities and earnings in later years. Poverty is associated with increased rates of teenage pregnancy. www.grshs-x.doce.com 6

L

ike other aspects of life, many people believe pregnancy is natural and inevitable.

However, it isn’t something that must not be done in a heartbeat, especially when you’re a teenager. Naturally, there are ways to get pregnant but mainly they are due to forced and consensual intercourses.

Sexual intercourse is natural in consenting adult partners. Forcing someone would be rape.

Forced intercourse or also known as rape, is a type of sexual assault in which a victim engages in forced sexual contact with his/her perpetrator. If a person feels violated, is pushed against their will, and is unable to defend his/herself because of the threat brought by the perpetrator, this is referred to as forced intercourse.

7 DOCE Publication

Consensual intercourse refers to the mutual decision of two people to do such a deed.

Furthermore, there’s a huge difference between forced and consensual intercourses because a person’s permission is always required.

Forced comparison and contrast

Forced intercourse leads to longterm trauma and emotional damage.

People that are raped have their lives changed forever, and they live in constant fear and anxiety. Consensual intercourse, on the other hand, is for pleasure and fun. No one is harmed, and both parties have a good time.

Con

Most rape-related pregnancies are terminated since the pregnancy is unwanted, and if ever the pregnancy

www.grshs-x.doce.com

& nsensual

is continued, the child will have a difficult life. On the other hand, pregnancy as a result of consensual intercourse is more accepted, and most teenage mothers will carry the pregnancy to term and raise the child.

It takes a lot of preparation and stability especially when you’re still depending on your parents. In conclusion, think before you act because the consequences of being a teen parent is irreversible.

Despite the vast differences between the two, one thing they have in common is that they both result in an unexpected pregnancy.

Not only that, but the lives of the mothers who got pregnant at a young age would change. Teenage pregnancy is difficult. It may bring unfavorable

by Chloe Zazne C. Dunque responsibilities that may hinder your studies, relationships, dreams and many more to mention. Bringing a life into this world isn’t as easy as doing things indecisively as it a chain of responsibilities.

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com 8

A

cause & effect

B Curse lessing or

by Shairalin A. Panaligan

9 DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

O

thers think of babies as a “blessing” while some of them as a “curse” since they don’t want to get pregnant. But is it a blessing when you had it at such an early age? There are varieties of factors that cause pregnancy among teenagers.

Teenage pregnancy is caused mainly by the lack of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health.

Many teenagers begin to wonder what sexual intimacy feels like due to the various social media platforms. Most likely, they only learned through watching sexual or pornographic videos. As a result, they tend to experience it themselves without knowing what may occur as a result of their indecisive actions. Most teenagers who get impregnated drop out of school because they are too afraid of being bullied by their schoolmates or being treated unfairly due to their situation. Since they didn’t accomplish school, their future education and employment opportunities will be affected.

They most likely live in poverty, which is the second factor of this issue.

Consequently, some teenagers sell their bodies or do sexual work to provide for their own needs. These teenagers who engage in sexual jobs are mostly impregnated by adults.

DOCE Publication

It’s like saying sunlight made plant A grow faster than plant B, when in fact the reason why plant B didn’t grow as fast is that you have neglected to give it water the whole time.

Teenagers who lack support and attention from their parents, as well as those raised without a father figure, are likely to rely on other people to feel the love that they crave. As a result, they are groomed by adults and pressured into doing things they do not want to do. They are sexually exploited by other people, especially adults. In this cases, teen mothers end up being single parents because the father of the baby they are carrying ran away or isn’t willing to be held responsible for the unborn child.

This will lead to teenagers wanting an abortion, which is unsafe for this age group.

Being pregnant at such an early age may affect the child they are bearing. Teenage births result in many health conditions not just for infants but for their mothers as well. Due to this, they are at a higher risk for pregnancy-related medical issues like high blood pressure or preeclampsia and its complications compared to average-aged mothers.

Having a baby at this age is not a blessing. Teenage pregnancy is a curse and a burden because it affects teens emotionally, mentally, and physically.

www.grshs-x.doce.com

10

Evading Early Parenting problem & solution

by Floyd V. Magto

11 DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

T

eenage pregnancy has long been a problem all over the world. It doesn’t just bring negative impacts to the young parents themselves but also to their families, community, and even the child who is yet to be born. Teenage pregnancy stops the young parents from going to school, gives a burden to the families of those teenagers, and the child may not be given the support it needs.

There are a lot of ways that we can do to prevent teenage pregnancy but one way that was deemed to be most effective is sexual abstinence which means avoiding all types of intimate genital contact. In simpler words, to not engage in sexual activities.

Sexual abstinence guarantees no

DOCE Publication

risk of pregnancy and this is also the best way to protect teenagers from contracting STDs. In addition to sexual sobriety, the implementation of sex education also brings significant results to preventing teenage pregnancy.

Sex education increases the knowledge of adolescents and improves their attitude towards sexually related topics and reproductive health and behaviors. This feeds the curiosity of youngsters about sex and eventually prevents teenage pregnancy.

few of these solutions are sexual sobriety and the implementation of sex education has been deemed to be effective in preventing teenage pregnancy.

We all can’t deny that teenage pregnancy is a serious problem and as we all know all problems have solutions. Several solutions prevent teenage pregnancy. A

www.grshs-x.doce.com 12

persuasion

THE WEIGHT OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY:

A Sequel of Being a Young Mom

by Lierah Jane M. Abejuela

13

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com

A

long with teenage pregnancy are consequences that last a lifetime. It may affect teen parents' overall well-being. Things may not go back to the way it was before.

Firstly, teenage life will be deprived and forcibly enter adulthood as pregnancy proceeds. Compared to the idealage mothers, teen moms are at higher risk for pregnancyrelated health issues such as Preeclampsia or high blood pressure complications. It is unlikely because it is possible to have a premature birth or low birth weight. Teenage pregnancy isn’t advisable nor ideal. Naturally, most teen parents rely on their parents due to a lack of overall stability and maturity. Mostly, teen parents’ parents will be disappointed and cut support financially and emotionally.

As a result of lower levels of emotional support and cognitive stimulation, most teen parents will be forced to be independent. This will then possibly cause behavioral problems or mental health issues due to the emotional damage.

poverty. Teenage pregnancy also highly affects education.

Each of us has a dream of our own that not everyone has the luxury to pursue. Pregnancy at a young age limits opportunities, especially when having difficulties financially. Most teen parents drop out of school as a response to proceeding with pregnancy. Having little education background may result in underemployment or unemployment. This will lead to difficulties in maintaining a family and providing for daily needs. And the cycle goes on.

Everyone deserves a happy and convenient life. A life without regrets and doubts. Sure, problems may arise but obviously not as severe as having an unplanned pregnancy. Pregnancy isn’t something that is taken lightly.

Planning and stability in every aspect of life are required.

Not only your life will be miserable but also the child that you’re bringing into life.

In the Philippines, where most cases of teenage pregnancy ages ranging from 12-18 are rampant among the poor as there is a lack of child support and sex education, most teen parents are on the verge of extreme

Parenthood is the main reason as to why teen girls drop out of school.

DOCE Publication

www.grshs-x.doce.com 14

editorial board Geraldine D. Escabarte Lierah Jane M. Abejuela Editor-in-Chief Article Editor/Writer

Josh M. Baroman Photography Editor/Layout Artist

Jomar S. Fuertes Layout Artist

Keisha C. Masihod Layout Artist/Writer

Sophia Bianca P. Libe Writer

Niea Chaz S. Bagotchay Writer

Kaye Nicole Jagonos Writer

Chloe Zazne C. Dunque Writer

Shairalin A. Panaligan Writer

Floyd V. Magto Writer

15

DOCE Publication

Kyle R. Terenal Writer

www.grshs-x.doce.com

11 - Lighthill Copyright © 2022 DOCE Publication All rights reserved.