DOH CHD Caraga backs inauguration of Butuan City Youth Center
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) Caraga together with the DOH Health Promotion Bureau of the Central Office led the inauguration of the Butuan City Youth Center on October 24, 2022, at Libertad Health Center, Butuan City.
The Youth Center is a social and recreational center intended primarily for the use of children ages 10 to 14 years old. Youth Centers can build protective factors such as connectedness, self-control, self-confidence, adult mentors, and quality peer relationships which can prevent youth from engaging in risky behaviors. Youth centers' flexibility allows them to be responsive to the interests and needs of the youth they serve. Adolescents go through an intense period of identity development, asking themselves: Who am I? How do I fit in? What is my role? The less structured approach of youth centers allows young people to "try on" different interests, or even identities in a safe environment and see which ones work for them. Youth centers are uniquely situated in the third space to support that exploration. Lastly, it provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can establish and grow positive bonds with staff and their peers.
The center supports opportunities for youth to develop their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive abilities and to experience achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship, and recognition. Further, the Youth Center offers opportunities for unstructured activities such as game playing, socializing, club meetings, and outdoor play.
Being healthy is more than just having good physical health; it also
means having good mental health and wellness. The DOH- Health is a life
campaign which covers mental health, psychological, and mental well-being as
its focal area, preparing to step up its interventions to further improve
health literacy among Filipinos, lobby for healthy public policies, and
advocate for health-supporting environments.
"With this Teen Center, our young adults, our teens, are properly guided and socially strengthened to a more grounded environment, that will support them in facing various challenges and unforeseen hurdles. This Teen Center can serve as their refuge, to gain better insights, to have stronger positivity, and to feel acceptance and empathy." Dr. Rosalind G. Vianzon, the Head of DOH HPB Delegation, stated in her message.
The activity was attended by Hon. Cherry May G. Busa, Butuan City Councilor; Dr. Hendry D. Plaza, OIC of City Health Office; Mr. Ernest Darwin L. Esguerra, RN; Ms. Cynth Zephanee Nakila, Butuan City SK Federation President; and DOH HPB representatives. (DOH CHD Caraga/PIA Caraga)
