UNLOCKING TEEN VOICES: LGU MANOLO FORTICH INITIATES PEER NAVIGATION PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS

Training Workshop on Peer Navigation Program in Schools

The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, as part of its campaign to address teen health concerns and empower adolescent Manoleños, has adopted the I CHOOSE campaign for Adolescent Health and Development through the Peer Navigation Program in schools. On July 31, 2025, 30 student leaders from Manolo Fortich National High School (MFNHS) in Barangay Tankulan were trained to become peer navigators.

This initiative is in line with the first two agendas of Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño in his 10-Point Agenda, which is Education for All as well as Health and Nutrition. The training was organized through a collaborative effort between the Population Development (PopDev) Division, headed by Population Program Officer III Christelyn Aguro, and the Municipal Health Office (MHO), with Rural Health Physician Dr. Louella Gamboa. Dr. Gamboa shared, “Sa Peer Navigation, ang I CHOOSE nga campaign, diha nila ma-learn ang katong mga appropriate ug reliable nga information regarding sa sexuality, mental health, sa mga issues nga gi-face sa mga bata karon. Isa pod ni ka means nato nga e-combat/address ang teenage pregnancy man gud. So maka-help ang peers, ang teens, with other teens kay sila man ang mag-open up ana sa ila.”

Resource speakers included Child Protection Officer John Rey Obligado from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, PCpl. Charmaine Taray from the Women and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) - Philippine National Police, and Adolescent Focal Person Sarah Mae Alavanza from the MHO.

The sessions featured dynamic discussions on changing negative behaviors and adopting healthy habits and coping mechanisms to help teens manage challenges and resist temptations. Participants tackled pressing issues such as mental health, substance abuse, reproductive health, peer pressure, and bullying, and explored strategies to address them. Students were also provided with vital information on hotlines, contacts, and referral points in case they or their peers encounter risks to their physical, emotional, or mental health.

Among the participants was 17-year-old Princess JL Marie Aniasco, Vice President of the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), who expressed gratitude for the training. “‎Daghan gyud ko og natun-an sa peer health navigation, from mental health, awareness of bullying and substance abuse, and physical health. Ang highlight gyud sa ako ato was para matabangan nako ang uban, I should help myself too. This is a necessary training, especially for us adolescents, since diha man gyud bali ang crucial nga stage sa life. I am truly thankful and happy that I was able to attend this part of the movement. Although it was just the first step, it was a chance for me to listen, learn, and lead.”

A key portion of the workshop emphasized why peer health navigation is vital. Students learned how essential it is to have a support system, especially for those who may find it difficult to open up to parents or guardians. The training underscored the role of peer navigators in creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where adolescents can share their concerns and access proper guidance.