CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Citing ways to respond to coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 and teenage pregnancy, various Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils, groups, and national line agencies wrapped up northern Mindanao’s Dagyaw 2020, Episode 4: Kabataan sa Hamon ng COVID-19, November 6.
“I am a witness to the dynamism demonstrated by our youth leaders in Northern Mindanao. I love to engage with them, as I see in them their genuine dedication and commitment to train their fellow youth to become productive citizens in our beloved country,” said Presidential Communications Sec. and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS)-X Martin Andanar.
He added that the youth can greatly help in nation-building and they still are the hope of the country. Thus, he urged all the youth to persevere in doing things for the greater good especially in responding to COVID-19 and the rising issue of teenage pregnancy.
Youth’s COVID-19 response
Adam Anay of FundForward said the group started with just a ‘Tweet’, April 2020. It aims to help vulnerable communities who were greatly affected with the pandemic.
“By telling their stories, we realized that people would be willing to help if they understand why they need to help,” Anay said.
To date, the group has created 21 stories and content, put up P82,100, helped 182 families and tapped 90 donors. The group aided Tabang Sikad, Andam Higala, Tabang Uswag, and Feed the Vulnerable groups.
For their part, SK CDO Federation President John Michael Seno said they held various social media campaigns including TikTok challenge, webinars and other activities, all of which aim to fight fake news.
The SK also aided in the distribution of relief goods, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash subsidies knowing that the barangays lack human resources to do so.
For the National Youth Commission (NYC)-10, Cluster Head Karenne Añover said they continuously hold training, research, webinars and other activities to SK federation presidents and SK chairs to strengthen youth’s involvement in nation-building and COVID-19 response.
NYC also conducts the regional online talakayan or forum consultation, community-based journalism training, and other seminars on domestic violence, mental and gender issues, and aiding women and frontliners.
Addressing teenage pregnancy
In Cagayan de Oro City, Seno said the Oro Youth Center implements the “a TEEN to,” which highlights the conversation on adolescent health and development, human sexuality, teenage pregnancy, and STI and HIV/AIDS.
He also cited that the increase of teenage pregnancies is due to dysfunctional families, peer pressure and personal choice.
“About 70 percent of the youth in urban areas said they have regrets on their teenage pregnancy decision,” Seno added.
In addressing such concern, Kasherette Amandac of Popcom-10 said they hold classes or info sessions to in and out-of-school youths and parent education on sexuality, partners with SK councils for info campaigns, and established 11 teen centers for sources of info.
“We also have regular radio programs and live streaming, and the Kabataan Talakayan to further reach more youth and heighten awareness of sexuality,” she added.
Dagyaw 2020 targets to tackle issues and concerns of various sectors to promote participatory governance and further improve government programs, activities and services. (RTP/PIA10)
