From Awareness to Action: A Young Leader’s Journey in Advancing EYLGP in Macrohon
Stories
Junley Gallardo
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President, Municipality of Macrohon, Southern Leyte
For Junley Gallardo, addressing adolescent pregnancy is not simply a program responsibility. It is a commitment to create a safer and better future for the young people in his community.
During a colloquium held on September 25, 2026, Gallardo shared Macrohon’s journey in implementing the Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (EYLGP) of the Zuellig Family Foundation, in partnership with UNFPA, and the efforts of the municipality to strengthen youth participation, adolescent health, and community-based interventions.
Barangay officials and youth leaders from Macrohon, Southern Leyte, share their experiences and progress in addressing adolescent pregnancy during the Barangay EYLGP Colloquium on September 25, 2026.
One of the significant initiatives highlighted was the establishment and utilization of the Behavior Change and Design (BCD) Center, which became a venue for conducting forums, dialogues, and symposiums for young people. These activities provided adolescents with opportunities to access relevant information on adolescent health, responsible decision-making, prevention of early pregnancy, and other concerns affecting their well-being.
Recognizing that young people can also be effective partners in reaching their peers, Macrohon also invested in the training of Youth Peer Educators. Through peer-to-peer engagement, trained young people help disseminate accurate information, encourage healthy behaviors, and create a more approachable space where adolescents can discuss concerns and seek guidance.
For Gallardo, these initiatives demonstrate that meaningful change begins when young people are given the opportunity to participate and take ownership of issues that directly affect their lives.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. During the colloquium, Macrohon also acknowledged the emergence of a 13-year-old adolescent pregnancy case associated with gender-based violence. The municipality has initiated the appropriate case management and legal processes, with a case filed against the alleged perpetrator, who remains at large. The situation reinforced the need for stronger child protection mechanisms, timely referral systems, adolescent-friendly health services, and closer coordination among local stakeholders.
Rather than seeing these challenges as setbacks, Gallardo emphasized the importance of continuing and strengthening the interventions already established in the community.
Participants of the Barangay EYLGP Colloquium in Macrohon, Southern Leyte, reaffirm their commitment to advancing adolescent health through youth participation.
Macrohon is now looking beyond its current four covered barangays. The municipality intends to expand EYLGP to at least two additional barangays every year, strengthen adolescent-friendly health service points, and ensure that young people have easier access to accurate and appropriate health information and services.
Another important milestone is the proposed Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU) Ordinance, which is already under second reading. Once enacted, the ordinance is expected to strengthen the municipality’s policy framework in addressing vulnerabilities associated with early pregnancy and child, early, and forced marriage.
For Gallardo, the progress made so far is significant, but there is still much work to be done. His message reflects both humility and determination: “Layo pa, pero layo na ta.” The journey toward eliminating adolescent pregnancy and creating a truly supportive environment for young people may still be long, but Macrohon has already taken important steps forward.
Junley Gallardo’s story is a reminder that progress does not always mean reaching the finish line. Sometimes, it means recognizing how far the community has already come—and having the courage and commitment to keep moving forward.
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The Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program is a 24-month capability development initiative launched by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) in partnership with UNFPA under the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP). Operating in Samar and Southern Leyte since 2023, EYLGP trains local leaders to strengthen adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) systems.