Manila: The Commission on Population Development-Ilocos Region (CPD-1) has urged government agencies, development partners, and youth organizations to enhance collaboration in addressing critical issues affecting adolescents and young individuals.
According to Philippines News Agency, these issues include reproductive health, mental well-being, responsible decision-making, gender equality, and employment readiness. Mae Grace Ariola, CPD-1 Information Officer, emphasized during the Kapihan sa Ilocos that investing in the youth, who make up approximately 18.7 percent of the Ilocos Region's population of over 5.3 million, is crucial for empowering them to become responsible adults in the future.
Ariola noted that while adolescent pregnancy rates among girls aged 15 to 19 are declining, there is a growing concern regarding cases involving younger adolescents aged 10 to 14. She highlighted the complexity of adolescent issues and emphasized the need for collaboration with local government units and grassroots organizations to effectively pool resources and address these challenges.
The government's multi-sectoral strategies under Executive Order 141 guide this collaborative effort. These strategies include enhancing reproductive health education, expanding access to adolescent-friendly health services through teen centers, protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation, providing socio-economic support for young parents, and promoting meaningful youth participation in development initiatives. Ariola believes these measures can significantly impact youth development during their formative years.
Janet Lucia London, population program officer for the Gender and Development Office of the provincial government, reported the presence of at least 15 teen centers in the province. These centers serve as empowerment hubs by offering programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and informed decision-making. Local government units are strongly encouraged to establish additional centers.
London stressed the importance of equipping adolescents with accurate information and practical skills to build healthier and more resilient communities. Teen centers provide resources for education, health, career planning, and other life issues. They also offer services such as counseling, medical and dental health care, and reproductive health services, creating a supportive environment for youth development.
