Youth Health Forum Promotes Safe Spaces for Students
Hundreds of students in Ilocos Norte gathered to discuss adolescent health and social concerns.
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Hundreds of students gathered at the Imelda Cultural Center in Batac City on August 1 for the Key Assessment for Developing Adolescents (KADA) Network Forum to address critical youth health and social issues. The event focused on key challenges facing adolescents, including teenage pregnancy, HIV awareness, substance abuse, mental health, and school bullying, reports the PIA.
The initiative introduced participants to provincial health support systems and adolescent-friendly facilities, encouraging students to actively seek guidance when encountering social or health difficulties.
The forum brought together several key regional and local entities:
- Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC)
- City Government of Batac
- Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office
- Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Ilocos Norte
MMMHMC Medical Center Chief II Doctor Maria Lourdes K. Otayza emphasized that effective youth programs require adults to listen before providing solutions.
“Our theme is ‘Danggayan,’ and look closely at the order: We Listen, We Empower, We Act. Listening comes first. That’s not an accident,” Otayza said. She reminded students that support networks are readily available, stating, “You are not alone. You are not a problem to be solved. There are people in this hall — doctors, teachers, counselors, and your barangay health workers—whose mission is to help you.”
Batac City Mayor Mark Christian “Markee” R. Chua urged youth participants to speak out against harmful behaviors and report instances of online or physical harassment.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t be afraid to call out others when you see them doing negative or bad things,” Chua said, reaffirming the local administration’s commitment to maintaining safe community spaces.
Mayor Chua added: “We remain committed to a responsive government—a government that listens, a government that cares, and a government that creates opportunities for every Bataqueño”
Student participant Aldredz Clarenz P. Yate of City of Batac National High School Poblacion noted that anti-bullying discussions were particularly vital for student well-being.
“The topic that resonated with me the most was bullying in schools because I know what it feels like to be bullied. It affects students’ learning, mental well-being, and overall outlook in life,” Yate said.
Organizers plan to continue expanding the KADA Network to strengthen health services and protective social programs for youth across Ilocos Norte.
SOURCE: PIA