Barangay Leaders in Santa Rita, Samar Renew Commitment to Adolescents’ Health
News
Barangay leaders in Santa Rita, Samar, have come together once again to show their commitment to the youth through the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP) Module 2 Rollout, held in Tacloban City last April 3-4, 2025.
This training by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), under the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar (JPARAP), helps local officials gain knowledge and practical tools to tackle adolescent pregnancy—an issue that affects many families in their communities. The program is supported by the Provincial Government of Samar, the Municipal Government of Santa Rita, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). BEYLGP is rooted in ‘loob’—a Filipino value that reflects inner purpose, compassion, and the desire to serve others.
For many barangay leaders, this work is deeply personal. Barangay Secretary Chello Aboy from Tominamos shared that her experience in public service has taught her to lead with empathy. “Serving my barangay has helped me better understand our people’s struggles. Compassion should always guide our decisions,” she said. Barangay Chairman John Ruel Guiuan of Rosal added that, for him, public service is more than a duty, but a calling. Though he once dreamed of becoming a priest, he now sees his role in the barangay as a way of serving others through faith. “Serving my community is also a way of serving God,” he said.
Michelle Casel, Barangay Secretary of Maligaya, shared her journey of finding purpose in local governance, even without a college degree. She hopes her story can inspire young people to pursue education and dream beyond what they think is possible. “I want our youth to aim high. Education can open so many doors,” she said.
These leaders are turning their words into action. Together with their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils, the barangays of Tominamos, Rosal, Lupig, and Maligaya have set aside funds to support programs focused on adolescent health and pregnancy prevention. Despite limited resources, their efforts are already making an impact. In just one year, adolescent pregnancy cases have dropped in all four barangays: Tominamos saw a decrease from five cases in 2023 to four in 2024; Rosal from nine to two; Lupig from seven to four; and Maligaya from eight to two.
At the same time, the number of adolescents using modern contraceptives has generally increased. Tominamos saw contraceptive users double from five to ten, Rosal slightly increased from five to six, while Maligaya rose from seven to nine. Lupig, however, experienced a decrease from seven to four, showing the need for continued support and outreach.
Part of what makes these improvements possible are the community-based efforts led by health workers. In each barangay, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) visit homes to speak directly with teens and young mothers, offering guidance and explaining modern contraceptive options. Daily services are available at Barangay Health Stations, where midwives and BHWs focus on the specific needs of adolescents. Rural Health Units (RHUs) keep a steady supply of contraceptives like subdermal implants, which many young parents prefer. These services are made more effective through strong coordination between RHU staff and BHWs, all under the guidance of the Municipal Health Officer and Doctor to the Barrios.
These local efforts are supported by the broader commitment of the municipal government, which has allocated 1.5 million pesos this year to strengthen adolescent health programs and ensure long-term support for the youth.
Through their actions and dedication, these barangay leaders show that real leadership is not just about rules or roles, but about care, connection, and the will to help young people thrive. In living out the value of ‘loob’, they are proving that when leaders lead with heart, real change happens.