LGU MANOLO FORTICH CONDUCTS U4U TRAINOR’S TRAINING AND ROLL-OUT

U4U Teenage Pregnancy Prevention

The Supreme Secondary Learner's Government (SSLG), the Youth for Environment and School Organization (YES-O), LGU scholars, LGBTQIA+ community, and members from various youth organizations participated in the U4U Trainer's Training held at Alomah's Place, Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, on July 27, 2023. The President of the Manolo Fortich Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, Councilor John Anthony G. Leyson, was also present to support the event.

The Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) in Manolo Fortich organized the event together with the Population Program Officers (PPO) who trained the attendees in preparation for their role in facilitating the Roll-out in Barangay Damilag on the following day, July 28, 2023. Due to their similar ages, the barangay's youth could easily relate to their facilitators through the set of activities prepared for them.

The U4U Trainer's Training and Roll-Out aimed to equip the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the continuous rise of teenage pregnancies in Manolo Fortich. The Roll-out was conducted inside Barangay Damilag’s covered court. The Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPO) provided support in facilitating and ensuring a smooth and organized event. They assisted in directing participants, managing registration, and addressing any concerns or questions from attendees.

Also present was Barangay Captain Allan G. Torres Jr. who showed his support for the activity by underlining its importance. “It aims to increase the knowledge of our young people of delaying sexual debut, preventing teenage pregnancy, and avoiding sexually transmitted infections. This is a joint effort of our Municipal Government and our Provincial Population and Development Program (PPDP). I hope you can learn while enjoying today’s event,” Brgy. Capt. Torres stated.

The activities in the roll-out were divided into four categories: Teen Chat, Teen Text, Teen Code, and Bakas Bukas. Teen Chat encouraged open discussions about the physical changes girls and boys experience during puberty, divided into two groups based on their sexuality, where they listed all the physical changes the opposite sex undergoes. Teen text participants were also divided into two groups, with each group assigned different topics to list the roots and consequences of “teenage pregnancy and unhappiness.” Group 1 focused on "teenage pregnancy," while Group 2 was given "unhappiness." They discovered many similarities between the roots and consequences of teen pregnancy and unhappiness. Teen Code involved a film viewing where characters portrayed different struggles during adolescence and how their responsible decision-making led to a better future for them. It taught participants that it is never too late to change bad habits and that teenage pregnancy can have negative consequences in the future. Lastly, Bakas Bukas included several activities that provided an interactive and comprehensive approach to teenage pregnancy prevention by addressing the psychological and emotional well-being of the participants.

Additionally, their Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, and they were provided with information on healthy lifestyle choices and the positive impact of nutrition and exercise on their overall wellness. Each participant had the opportunity to participate in every activity, ensuring they gained knowledge while having a fun experience.

The well-being of youth should be a top priority for society. By prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of young people, it can pave the way for a healthier and more resilient community. Teenage pregnancy robs young adults of their time to enjoy life as teens. It is too much of a burden for a young body and mind to bear. Educating them about their sexuality opens their minds to the possibilities presented, thus giving them a broader perspective on what path to take. Being ignorant of the consequences of teenage pregnancy and how it can occur will only lead to curiosity and poor judgment. At the end of the day, as the fun-filled activity concluded, both the young facilitators and participants gained insight and understanding of the consequences of teenage pregnancy and how they can better shape their future through responsible choices.