The Philippines has one of the highest adolescent birth rates among the Southeast Asian countries. In 2019, the Philippines National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) declared the number of teenage pregnancies a national social emergency . Rodrigo Duterte, the President of the Philippines, realized the urgency as the Commission on Population and Development in 2019 recorded that almost seven girls, aged ten to fourteen, gave birth everyday- 2,411 girls that year. Teenage pregnancy prevents the opportunity for women to escape from poverty and improve their human development levels. Increased risk of these outcomes are predominantly caused by inadequate sex education, lack of access to birth control, increasing cohabitation, and misconceptions led by religion or stereotypes.
Trade is crucial to increase women\u27s employment and wages. Leveraging trade to increase women\u27s education and empowerment is essential for a sustainable path to significant development. The research examines the policies implemented to tackle important determinants of teen pregnancy and connects trade policies within the Philippines to measure the profound impact of trade on girls\u27 education and empowerment
