Thursday, February 16, 2017

Establishment of campus teen centers pushed

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 15 (PNA) –- The Commission on Population (PopCom) is pushing for the establishment of satellite teen centers and conduct of teen facilitator's training in Eastern Visayas schools.

Popcom satellite teen centers, in partnership with schools, will put up space for sports equipment, reading supplies, information materials, and musical instruments that will provide young people a venue for personality development and skills enhancement to become productive individuals in the community.

Reyan Arinto, PopCom Eastern Visayas information officer, said these centers will help teenagers not to be swayed on engaging in sexual and non-sexual risky behaviors such as premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, alcoholism, smoking and drug abuse.

There are ongoing negotiations with some tertiary schools to carry out the programs, according to Arinto.

The teen facilitator training program seeks to empower the youth to create a movement that gives their pledges to become better citizens and to divert their time to recreational activities, and draw focus away from early sexual engagement.

“There will be an educational conversation between youths about sexuality because nowadays teenagers would not talk about their problems with an adult instead they will confide it to their peers. That’s why this training will have a peer-to-peer education in teaching ABCDE that stands for Abstain, Be faithful, Consulting adult, and Do not drink, smoke and use drugs, and Educate Yourself. ” Arinto said.

He added that the agency’s campaign aims to break the boundary of secrecy and embarrassment of discussing sexuality and health and, to prevent teenage pregnancy cases.

The population commission advocates young empowerment in the most strategic way with opportunities to develop competence they need to be successful in the society. (PNA) LAP/SQM/Felgin C. Silagan (OJT)


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