Youth Leaders and Officials Unite to Combat Adolescent Pregnancy in San Jose de Buan, Samar

From July 17 to 19, barangay officials and youth leaders from Barangays Babaclayon, Can-aponte, Poblacion 1, and Poblacion 4 of the Municipality of San Jose de Buan, Samar gathered to address a growing concern: adolescent pregnancy. They took part in the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP), focusing on the Behavior-Centered Design method to tackle this issue head-on.

The BEYLGP, led by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), under the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar (JPARAP), aims to equip community leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to combat adolescent pregnancy effectively.

San Jose de Buan has seen 19 cases of adolescent pregnancies in the latest quarter of 2024. Over three days, participants learned to implement campaigns and initiatives tailored to their community’s needs, emphasizing teamwork and support for adolescents.

“By equipping our youth leaders and barangay officials with the right tools and knowledge, we aim to empower them to take proactive steps in reducing adolescent pregnancies,” said Dr. Phoebe Dela Cruz, Municipal Health Officer. “Our goal is to foster a culture of health and awareness that will benefit the entire community.”

Stories of Change and Determination

During the training, 24-year-old Barangay Chairperson Jimar Mañozo from Can-aponte shared his journey. Moving from a rural area to a city for education, he faced bullying and discrimination, shaping his resolve to prepare his young constituents for future challenges.

Beatrice Ebias, Chairperson of the Committee on Health in Can-aponte, also shared her story. Pregnant at 15, she once thought this was her destiny, a fate later shared by her eldest daughter. The BEYLGP training changed her perspective, and now she is determined to prevent adolescent pregnancies in her barangay. “Now that I know this is not normal, I am determined to curb this problem,” Beatrice said. 

Barangay Chairperson Jovito Rebato of Babaclayon reflected on his past mistakes. His strict approach to his adolescent daughter, who became a young mother, created a chasm between them. The BEYLGP training made him realize the need for empathy and support. He pledged to combat adolescent pregnancies with renewed purpose, aiming to create a more supportive environment for the youth in his barangay.

Inspiring Youth Leaders

Karen Pacios, a youth leader from Babaclayon, came out of the training inspired to make a difference. Seeing the struggles in her barangay, she pledged to share her knowledge and advocate for better support systems for adolescents. “I vow to end this vicious cycle in our poor communities,” Karen declared.

Keith Kelvin Rapatan, Supreme Student Government President from Poblacion 1, also committed to guiding his peers away from premature sexual activities. “Together, we can navigate the challenges of adolescence and build a future we can all be proud of,” he said, exemplifying true leadership and empathy.

The BEYLGP initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reversing the trend of rising adolescent pregnancies in San Jose de Buan and serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. With ongoing support and monitoring, the program aims to achieve sustainable results and create a better future for the youth.