Quezon City, 12 December 2025 – The Philippines today took a bold step toward lasting change for vulnerable children with the launch of the National Action Plan to End Child, Early, Forced Marriages and Unions for 2025–2028. The action plan aims to strengthen prevention, protection, and support systems so every child can grow up free from harmful practices that limit their potential.
Developed by the Government of the Philippines with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF, and civil society partner PLCPD, the plan was unveiled in an event attended by national and local leaders, development partners, and youth advocates to reinforce collective action.
The action plan outlines coordinated measures to prevent and respond to child marriage, strengthen child protection systems, and address entrenched barriers. Children and adolescents helped shape priorities, ensuring their voices drive efforts to promote empowerment and gender equality.
One in ten girls in the Philippines remains at risk. The passage of Republic Act 11596 in 2021 was a legislative milestone, but stakeholders stressed that implementation, social norms change, and accessible community support are critical to progress.
"Today is proof that when everyone works as one, we can break a cycle. Kaya nating itigil ang child, early, and forced marriage and unions. As the lead implementer of Republic Act 11596, also known as An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof, the DSWD commits to continue protecting children who are vulnerable, and to support those who were forced into child marriages or unions. Patuloy kaming magpapalakas ng mga patakaran, magtuturo sa ating frontliners at magbibigay ng gabay sa lahat ng katuwang natin," said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
“The plan strengthens the Philippines’ commitment to ending child, early, and forced, marriage and unions through a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. By transforming harmful social norms, enhancing social services, and empowering communities to take proactive action, it aims to effectively prevent and respond to the adverse effects of early marriage and union on our children,” said CWC Executive Director Angelo Tapales.
UNFPA and UNICEF have supported local governments in strengthening service delivery and referral mechanisms, embedding prevention and response within broader child protection and gender-based violence systems, and linking to other sectors such as education and social welfare.
UNFPA, a key supporter and contributor to the initial drafting of the national action plan underscored the importance of translating policy commitments into meaningful action that empowers girls and ensures that rights and choices are upheld.
“Child marriage is a fundamental violation of human rights that robs girls of their childhood, their health, and their agency.
“At UNFPA, we see this action plan as a lifeline, a critical bridge between the law and the lived realities of the most vulnerable. We are committed to working closely with the government to move beyond prohibition by strengthening health and protection systems that support girls, and by engaging directly with communities to shift the social norms that perpetuate this violence. When we champion reproductive health education and ensure functional referral pathways, we are not just delivering services; we are safeguarding a girl’s future. A future defined by her potential, not by a forced union. We must build a Philippines where every girl is empowered to choose her own path,” said Neus Bernabeu, UNFPA in the Philippines Country Representative.
Stronger systems, safer futures
Ending child marriage is closely tied to preventing early pregnancy, keeping girls in school, and reducing violence. Stronger local systems and community engagement are key to empowering children to make informed choices.
The local government of Brooke’s Point, Catbalogan City, and Socorro signed a memorandum of agreement to adopt a systems approach to prevent and respond to child marriage. UNICEF supports these efforts by improving service delivery, referral mechanisms, and integration with education and social welfare systems.
The signing demonstrates a joint commitment to localization by helping local governments to lead child protection efforts through sustainable, community-based systems.
“We want to make real change to end child marriage. We can do this by building strong child protection systems, transforming limiting social norms, and ensuring every community has the resources to support and empower children. UNICEF is proud to work alongside government, local partners, and civil society in developing the action plan and strengthening child protection systems so that children don’t have their dreams cut short, and they grow up in safe communities where they can reach their full potential,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Kyungsun Kim.
Civil society partners emphasized the importance of sustained policy advocacy and community mobilization. PLCPD, a non-government organization composed of lawmakers and advocates that championed the passage of the abovementioned law, emphasized how legislation can improve the lives of children. “Laws have the power to change the lives of children in the Philippines. This can happen if landmark laws, such as RA 11596, are fully and meaningfully implemented to protect children from the negative impacts of child marriage and contribute to fulfilling their full potential. The action plan is a significant platform towards this end," said Aurora Quilala, Executive Director of PLCPD.
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KISHA BERINGUELA
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