Baguio City: A Beacon of Hope for Young People
Stories
Baguio City, a popular destination for tourists and students in the Cordillera region, has made impressive strides in improving the health and well-being of its young people. In 2019, the city’s adolescent birth rate (ABR) stood at 25 per 1,000 live births, lower than the national target of 37, but still a concern. Recognizing the need for change, Mayor Benjamin Magalong took action by joining Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in 2021, a global program aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies. Thanks to this partnership, Baguio has seen improvements in its Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (AYSRH) services.
A Focus on Education and Health
Baguio City, home to over 68,000 adolescents, is a highly urbanized city and a key educational center in Northern Luzon. Mayor Magalong is deeply committed to ensuring that young people remain in school and avoid early pregnancies, which can derail their education and future opportunities. “Adolescents are the future of today’s generation. Giving them the best education and concentrating on their welfare will secure the survival of the country,” he emphasized in a speech.
In 2022, the mayor formed a City Leadership Team (CLT) tasked with improving the city’s approach to adolescent health. That same year, Mayor Magalong and other CLT members attended ZFF’s Leadership for Adolescent Youth and Friendly Cities (LAYFC) training, which helped them strengthen their leadership skills and focus on providing the best possible health services to young people.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Health
As part of its efforts to improve AYSRH services, Baguio City trained health workers through programs like Adolescent Health Education and Practical Training (ADEPT) and Family Planning Competency-based Training (FPCBT). These programs gave healthcare providers the skills they needed to offer better support to adolescents, whether they were seeking reproductive health services or psychosocial support.
A key milestone in Baguio’s progress was the certification of its 16 health facilities and the Baguio City General Hospital and Medical Center (BCGHMC) as adolescent-friendly health facilities (AFHFs). These facilities now meet high standards for offering AYSRH services, ensuring that young people can access the care they need in a supportive and understanding environment.
Bringing Services to the People
Baguio did not stop with improving its health facilities; it also reached out to communities, especially in remote areas. Through mobile outreach programs, the city has conducted 236 activities, serving over 9,600 women, including adolescent parents. This initiative helps bring essential services right to people’s doorsteps, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In 2023, the city council passed an ordinance aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancies and providing social support to young parents. This ordinance includes measures such as integrating Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) into schools and training teachers and health workers to better address adolescent health issues. Additionally, the city has established adolescent health centers and is using social media to promote sexuality education.
Empowering Youth
Baguio City recognizes that peer support plays a vital role in addressing adolescent health. As part of its program, 74 student leaders have been trained as peer educators, enabling them to provide guidance to their fellow students. 130 barangay health workers have also been trained to promote family planning and sexual health services within their communities.
By 2023, the city’s modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) increased to 30%, up from 27% in 2022, reflecting the positive impact of these efforts.
Teenspired: A Place for Adolescents
Post-pandemic, Baguio City’s hospital-based adolescent health center, Teenspired, reactivated its youth-centered activities. These programs encourage adolescents to visit the hospital’s wellness center, even if they are not sick, to learn about proactive health practices. Over 500 adolescents now regularly visit the center.
Investing in the Future
Baguio City has also significantly increased its budget for family planning and adolescent health programs, investing Php 20.5 million in 2023, up 175% from previous years. This funding has allowed the city to deliver more effective services and reach more young people in need.
A Holistic Approach
Baguio City’s holistic approach to adolescent health—combining sexuality education, peer support, community empowerment, and well-trained healthcare providers—has led to a notable decrease in adolescent pregnancies. The city’s ABR has decreased by 16% since 2019, which is a notable achievement considering the increase in migration to the city.
A Bright Future Ahead
Dr. Flor O. Brillantes, the city’s Health Officer, credits the partnership with TCI for the city’s progress, saying, “The partnership brought an era of change and speedy action to impact our adolescents.” The efforts have not only improved health outcomes but also restored confidence in the healthcare system.
Mayor Magalong’s commitment to adolescent health serves as a model for other cities in the Philippines and beyond. By focusing on the well-being of its young people, Baguio City is building a brighter, healthier future for all.