Caraga celebrates milestones in sexual health, empowerment
BUTUAN CITY -- The Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) Project officially concluded its implementation in the Caraga region with a closeout ceremony that brought together various stakeholders on September 6 at Hotel Oazis, this city.
Participants from the municipal, provincial, and regional levels convened to recognize Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) champions who played pivotal roles in the project’s success over the past five years.
The SHE Project, led by Oxfam and funded by Global Affairs Canada with Jhpiego as a technical partner, aimed to address critical barriers to SRHR and GBV prevention by improving knowledge, strengthening health systems, and building the capacity of community-based organizations.
The project was implemented in four municipalities namely, Cagwait and Lianga in Surigao del Sur and Jabonga and Santiago in Agusan del Norte, where significant strides were made in promoting SRHR and GBV services for women, adolescents, and underserved communities.
“Pasidungog means to give honor, and today we are here to pay tribute to all of you as our partners at the municipal, provincial, and regional levels. Over the past five years, your exceptional dedication has shaped the success of the SHE Project, and we wanted to say, 'Pasidunggan mong tanan!' Thank you for welcoming the project into your communities and for working together towards a common goal,” Janica Lyra Salcedo-Maghunong, regional coordinator for Caraga, who expressed her gratitude and respect for the project’s partners during the event.
The closeout event also featured recognition of individuals and organizations that demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing SRHR and preventing GBV. The champions were lauded for their commitment to providing quality health services, particularly for women of reproductive age, adolescent girls, and boys.
Mary Grace Wang, family planning and adolescent health coordinator from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Agusan del Norte, remarked that the champions being honored have been advocates and changemakers, promoting gender-sensitive health services for all, particularly women and adolescents in the region.
"Today, we honor those who have tirelessly advocated for the rights of individuals who are often unseen and underserved, ensuring they have access to vital health information and services,” Wang said.
Mary Joy Ducusin, adolescent health specialist of the SHE Project at Jhpiego Philippines, also reflected on the project’s journey. She noted the challenges but praised the project’s ability to adapt and continue serving the communities.
“Despite the challenges, we are closing with remarkable results. This celebration of transformative work in SRHR and GBV prevention is a testament to our collective efforts in Caraga,” Ducusin shared.
The event concluded with renewed
commitments from local officials, health workers, and community leaders to
sustain the progress made in SRHR and GBV prevention, ensuring that the gains
of the SHE Project continue to benefit the communities in the Caraga region for
years to come.
The Caraga closeout event formed part of a series of regional celebrations marking the completion of the SHE project, which was implemented in other regions, including Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Visayas, BARMM, and the Bicol Region. (SHE Project and Jhpiego/PIA-Caraga)
