23/10/2026
📣FUTURE FORWARD: ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SEMINAR & OPENING OF THE ADOLESCENT-FRIENDLY HEALTH SPACE📣
In recent years, growing concerns over adolescent well-being—including consecutive cases of su***de among young people, the increasing number of teenage pregnancies, and reported HIV/AIDS cases in the community—have underscored the urgent need for compassionate, accessible, and youth-centered health services. These challenges highlight the importance of providing reliable health information, mental health support, preventive care, and a safe space where adolescents can seek assistance without fear of judgment or discrimination.
In response to these pressing concerns, the Sangguniang Kabataan 106 Council, led by Hon. Orlando Lance De Paz, is taking a proactive step toward promoting adolescent health and well-being through the establishment of the Adolescent-Friendly Health Space. This initiative is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Sto. Niño District Health Center (SNDHC), under the supervision of Mr. Alexander Guy; the EVMC – Department of Family and Community Medicine (EVMC-DFCM), through Dr. Randy Saavedra, EVMC-DFCM Community Coordinator; the CSWDO – Tacloban City Youth Hub, through Mr. Japheth Agero; and other dedicated health and community partners.
The Adolescent-Friendly Health Space aims to provide a welcoming, confidential, and youth-friendly environment where adolescents can access essential services, including:
💚 Counseling and Mental Health Support
💙 Free Testing and Preventive Health Services
💗 Peer Education and Health Awareness
Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every young person is heard, respected, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and future. We envision a community where seeking help is recognized as a sign of strength and where every adolescent can access healthcare without fear, stigma, or discrimination.
The successful implementation of this initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Sangguniang Kabataan 106 Council, led by Hon. Orlando Lance De Paz, together with its partner institutions and community stakeholders. 👏🏻🫶🏻
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Sto. Niño District Health Center, through Mr. Alexander Guy, SNDHC Supervisor; the EVMC – Department of Family and Community Medicine, through Dr. Randy Saavedra, EVMC-DFCM Community Coordinator; and the CSWDO – Tacloban City Youth Hub, through Mr. Japheth Agero, for their invaluable partnership and continued support. 🫶🏻✨
We also acknowledge the contributions of Hon. Jocelyn Cinco, Hon. Diorico Montejo, Hon. Gregorio Malate Jr., Hon. Joy Solayao, and all members of the Barangay 106 Council, led by Hon. Edgar Grego; the City Population Office, represented by Sir Roger Sabido; the Tacloban City SK Federation Office, represented by Hon. Alvin Jude Trono; the Kahimsog 106 Health Club, through Mrs. Rosario Saño; Mr. Jayson Navales, CSWDO Youth Development Worker; the YHES 106 Organization, through its President, Cassandra Merin; and the PYAP Barangay 106 Chapter, represented by Mr. Fernando Daaco Jr. 🫶🏻✨👏🏻
Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to our resource speakers from the EVMC – Department of Family and Community Medicine, whose expertise and dedication enriched the seminar: 🫶🏻👏🏻
🧠 Dr. Vicente Chua Dy IV – Mental Health Talk and HEADSSS Assessment
🎗️ Dra. Clarissa Caspe-Meracap – Salient Points on Teenage Pregnancy and HIV/AIDS
💚 Dra. Rizza N. Cesar – Smoking in Adolescence: Health Risks, Prevention, and Early Intervention
To all our health professionals, local officials, youth advocates, partner organizations, and stakeholders, thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and commitment to advancing adolescent health in our community. ✨👏🏻
The opening of the Adolescent-Friendly Health Space is more than the establishment of a facility—it is a meaningful commitment to protecting the lives, dignity, and future of our youth. Through unity and collective action, we can transform awareness into prevention, compassion into support, and hope into lasting change. 🍀
“Informed Youth. Healthier Choices. Brighter Tomorrows.” ✨🫶🏻
📸 | SKM Merin
✍🏻 | SKC
