Catbalogan Youth Leaders Tackle Adolescent Pregnancy

From August 7-9, 2024, youth leaders in Catbalogan City, Samar, came together for a three-day training under the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP). This event, led by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), under the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar (JPARAP), focused on finding ways to reduce the high rates of adolescent pregnancies in Catbalogan City.

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Leaders Share Their Challenges and Plans

Jenine Ortiz, an SK Councilor from Barangay Payao, spoke about the struggles her community faces in getting young people interested in the issue. Many of them find it boring or do not see how it benefits them. Parents are not pushing their kids to join the discussions either, thinking it is only relevant for married people. Some parents are uncomfortable talking about these topics, especially when it involves sex. Ortiz also mentioned that barangay officials do not show much interest, and it is unclear if teachers are addressing the problem. Feeling isolated, she wondered if they were approaching the issue in the right way.

Paul Lawrence Tizon, an SK Member from Barangay Canlapwas, talked about the importance of collaboration among different groups in the community to address adolescent pregnancies. Canlapwas currently has the highest number of adolescent pregnancy cases in Catbalogan, according to the City Health Office. Paul stressed that only by working together can they bring these numbers down.

Charles Andrei Bañar, the SK Chairperson of Barangay San Andres, presented a plan that focuses on changing behaviors to reduce adolescent pregnancies. He emphasized that the success of this plan depends on the involvement of everyone in the community.

Other Community Leaders Speak Out

Marissa Rodriguez, a Parent Leader from San Andres, emphasized the need for understanding and empathy in leadership. She pointed out that leaders need to connect with the community to make a real difference. “To truly understand the challenges faced by our adolescents, genuine leaders must step into their shoes,” Marissa said.

Barangay Chairperson Eduardo Villanueva of Canlapwas acknowledged the seriousness of the problem in his area. He called on everyone in the barangay to unite and help address the issue. Eduardo also committed to enforcing stricter rules to prevent young people from getting into risky situations.

Rebeca Prudenciado, a youth leader from Barangay Mercedes (locally known as Burak), introduced their plan called ‘Usad Buraknon’, which aims to reduce adolescent pregnancies in their area. She said, “There can be no meaningful growth (usad) in our barangay if our fellow youth are getting pregnant at a very tender age.”

The BEYLGP training provided a platform for these leaders to share their experiences and develop strategies. With their dedication, the community is hopeful for positive changes ahead.