In a bid to harmonize multi stakeholders’ efforts in providing adolescent health and development programs and services in the province of South Cotabato, the Provincial Population Office (PPO South Cotabato) recently organized a consultative workshop on the establishment of an Information and Service Delivery Network on Adolescent Health and Development (ISDN4AHD) alongside an orientation on Teen Center initiatives. With technical support from The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) - Regional Office XII, the workshop aimed to bolster support for the youth population in the province.
The workshop, which took place in two selected municipalities of South Cotabato, namely Tantangan on March 13, 2024, and Tupi on March 14, 2024, convened local key stakeholders, such as health, population and social workers, educators, and youth leaders, working closely on adolescent health and development program in those municipalities. The discussions revolved around the importance of providing comprehensive and accessible adolescent health information and services tailored to the unique needs of adolescents. The establishment of the ISDN is poised to bridge existing gaps in health information and service delivery for young people. At the same time, the Teen Center orientation seeks to create safe spaces for teens to access vital resources and support for their health and total well-being.
With a focus on strengthening collaboration and collectively mobilizing actions and resources of various stakeholders to provide comprehensive services for adolescents and young people, the consultative workshop served as a vital platform for fostering partnerships and laying the groundwork for integrated and sustainable adolescent health development initiatives in South Cotabato, ensuring the well-being and empowerment of its adolescent population. As a collaborative mechanism, the establishment of ISDN4AHD aims that the network of facilities, institutions, and service providers within the provincial, and municipal health and social system to provide information, training, and core service packages of health and social care for adolescents in an integrated and coordinated manner. At its core is the strengthening of functional referral system, and the operationalization of teen centers in the locality.
Furthermore, the establishment of ISDN4AHD supports the implementation of EO 141 series of 2021 (declaring teen pregnancy as a national priority), which ensures a whole-of-government and a whole-of-nation approach in curbing the incidence of teen pregnancies, and other issues on adolescent health and development.
Moving forward, the key stakeholders, including the local population offices, relevant government agencies, faith-based and civil society organizations, and local communities, will continue to work hand in hand to expand access to quality health services, education, and opportunities for adolescents across the province. By leveraging the expertise of CPD XII and the PPO South Cotabato, the province is taking proactive steps toward ensuring the well-being and empowerment of its adolescent population.
The consultative workshop focused on strengthening collaboration and collectively mobilizing actions and resources of various stakeholders to provide comprehensive services for adolescents and young people. It served as a vital platform for fostering partnerships and laying the groundwork for integrated and sustainable adolescent health development initiatives in South Cotabato, ensuring the well-being and empowerment of its adolescent population.
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The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) The Commission on Population and Development is the country’s lead organization in population and development, or POPDEV, for well-planned and empowered Filipino families and communities, enabling them to achieve their fertility intentions, prevent adolescent pregnancies, and consciously consider population factors in sustainable development initiatives.
Press Release No.:KMCU PR 24-03-003
Release Date: March 18, 2024
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