SIQUIJOR, Siquijor, July 15 (PIA) -- After the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the Provincial Center, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM-7) Regional Director Atty. Bruce Ragas lauded the Provincial Government of Siquijor for responding to the government’s call to implement programs for the youth and address issues surrounding them.
In a press statement, Ragas said the MOA signing is a timely and urgent response to the President's challenge with the signing of Executive Order (EO) 141 declaring as national priority the problems on pregnancy.
Ragas also commended the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation’s active involvement in the implementation of youth programs which adheres to the said EO’s mandate for them to allocate resources for these programs.
He hopes that the initiative will be sustained throughout the years as the POPCOM-7 commits to always support and provide the technical assistance needed for the implementation of the population management programs.
A first in Central Visayas, the Provincial Teen Center Siquijor will serve as an avenue for young Siquijudnons to access the different activities and services offered by the Provincial Population Office (PPO) and the SK Federation, in addition to the municipal teen centers in five of its towns.
They will be able to know more about HIV-AIDS, Early Sexual Encounters, Adolescent Health, Reproductive Health, and Teenage Pregnancy (HEART).
Gov. Zaldy Villa, for his part, assured that the provincial government will continue to work hard for the development of young Siquijodnons and the entire province.
Currently, Siquijor has a total of 80 youth advocates led by the Leaders and Advocates for Greater Siquijor and the different youth groups in the towns of Siquijor, Lazi, San Juan, Maria, Larena, and Enrique Villanueva.
In her message, Siquijor Vice Gov. Mei Ling Quezon-Brown recognized the importance of providing guidance and support to the youth so they become responsible adults.
She emphasized that the government should help the adolescents face the issues surrounding them such as teenage pregnancy, health issues, mental health, and even love life issues.
“Tabangan gyud nato atong mga kabataan (We should help the youth). This Provincial Teen Center is a venue for all the youth of Siquijor nga they will feel welcome, heard and understood. Wala’y judgement (No judgement),” the vice governor said.
SK Federation Pres. Brylle Deeiah Tumarong also encouraged Siquijor teens to visit the teen center to learn more about adolescent health, join in different activities, and share their problems with the youth advocates and peers.
The Provincial Teen Center will also house a Youth Library soon. (RAC/PIA7 Siquijor with reports from POPCOM-7)
