TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) of Tandag City, in partnership with the Suprem Student Government (SSG) of the Jacinto P. Elpa National High School (JPENHS), successfully conducted an  advocacy forum entitled, “Empowering Youth in Tandag City Against Teenage Pregnancy” last June 9, 2023 at Shacene Royal Hotel, Tandag City in the province of Surigao del Sur.

SSG representatives from different schools including North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), JPENHS, Tandag National Science High School (TNSHS), Buenavista National High School (BNHS); and youth organizations such as the Barkada Kontra Droga -JPENHS and Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) - Tandag City chapter attended in the said event.

The activity raised awareness on teenage pregnancy and promoted responsible behavior of the students and the youth. 

On behalf of Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, City Administrator Atty. Janissa Delicona delivered an inspirational message, underscoring the importance of creating a safe space and venue for the youth to openly discuss sensitive and significant issues affecting their lives, without fear of judgment and discrimination.

Emphasizing on the mayor's fourth pillar of development on responses to capacitate and protect the vulnerable groups, Atty. Delicona proposed the establishment of a functional support group for the youth of Tandag City.

Also, present at the event were City LGOO Olivia P. Bagasbas, youth development officer Amos Kevin L. Diaz, JPENHS - SSG adviser, Lucky Mae Tino, JPENHS teacher and guidance advocates, Lorenzo B. Blasquez and Jane A. Bruce. (Tandag CSWDO/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)