Population office unveils youth situationer in Tubay, Agusan Norte
TUBAY, Agusan del Norte -- In a recent forum organized by the Department of Education's District Office and the local government unit of Tubay, Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD)-Caraga presented a comprehensive youth situationer for the municipality of Tubay and the province of Agusan del Norte. This pivotal presentation provided a detailed statistical and analytical view of the youth demographics and challenges, serving as a critical reference for future planning and program development by various municipal and provincial stakeholders.
The youth situationer revealed several key statistics and trends that are shaping the youth landscape in the region. In Agusan del Norte, including the municipality of Tubay, the youth population aged 15-24 years constitutes about 19.3 percent of the total population, numbering approximately 68,518 young individuals. This significant portion of the populace faces various challenges, with teenage pregnancy rates showing a worrying increase from 32.4 percent in 2017 to 34.2 percent in 2022, surpassing the regional average.
Education data indicated a secondary-level school participation rate of 73.2 percent, with Tubay achieving a commendable junior high completion rate of 81.6 percent. However, the youth unemployment rate stood at 14.8 percent, pointing to the need for enhanced employment and entrepreneurial support. About 28.3 percent of Tubay's youth are engaged in self-employment or entrepreneurial activities, underscoring a vibrant potential workforce that needs nurturing and support.
Health and
social behavior metrics also highlighted critical areas of concern. The
contraceptive prevalence rate among teenage girls in the province is at 19.2
percent, slightly higher than the regional average. Social engagement showed
more promise, with youth participation in local governance in Agusan del Norte
recorded at 26.8 percent, a testament to the active involvement of young people
in community matters.
Dir. Makinano emphasized the importance of addressing these multifaceted challenges through targeted interventions saying, "Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are also key contributors today. By understanding their situation comprehensively, we can tailor programs that not only address their immediate needs but also empower them for future challenges."
The forum concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to integrate the insights provided into their strategic planning processes. The initiative aims to foster a collaborative approach to enhancing the welfare and development of the youth in Tubay and Agusan del Norte, ensuring that they have the opportunities and support needed to thrive in a dynamic world.
This proactive step by CPD Caraga, in collaboration with DepEd and local government units, marks a significant advancement in community-focused governance and youth development, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow. (May Ann O. Escobal, CPD Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
