Surigao Norte’s town opens Teen Center to help curb teenage pregnancy
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The municipality of Sison in Surigao del Norte recently opened its Teen Center, a facility that provides a safe and inclusive space for young people to support their education, seek guidance guidance, among others.
Sangguniang Bayan Member and former Mayor Karissa R. Fetalvero-Paronia said this during the “Panagtigum sa Munisipyo” (gathering in the municipality) organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, held at the Sison municipal gymnasium on July 3.
She shared that the Sison Teen Center serves as a vital hub for adolescents to access reliable information on reproductive health, mental wellness, and responsible decision-making.
The facility is run by trained peer counselors, known as “ates” and “kuyas” which are Filipino respectful terms for older siblings – the former is older sister, while the latter is older brother.
She said, “All teenagers in the municipality can visit the place and seek emotional support. There is someone in the Teen Center that they can approach or simply talk to.”
Bridget Belle B. Lumangcas, midwife II of the Sison Primary Care Facility, encouraged the youth to visit the center. “You are very welcome to visit us. We want our youth to know they are not alone, we are here to listen and support them.”
In parallel with the center’s launch, the municipal government is conducting information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns across Sison’s 12 barangays to educate adolescents on reproductive health, the risks of early pregnancy, and the value of informed choices.
One of the student participants, Rosemarie, a Grade 12 learner, shared her insight during the forum, “Nalipay ako nga nahisgutan ang problema sa teenage pregnancy dinhi mismo sa among munisipyo kay daghan ang pareho nako nga nakasabot kung ngano importante ang pagpamati sa tambag sa ginikanan, nga dili magsayo og uyab-uyab, ug magpokus lang usa sa pag-eskwela (I’m glad that the issue of teenage pregnancy is discussed right here in our municipality because many teenagers like me now understand the importance of listening to our parents’ advice, not rushing into relationships, and focusing on our studies first).”
In addition, the municipal health office continues to provide free prenatal check-ups every Friday, alongside the giving of vitamins and other essential health services for pregnant teens and young mothers, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and child.
With a multi-faceted strategy that combines education, health services, and psychosocial support, the municipality of Sison stands firm in its commitment to empower young people and build a safer and healthier future for the next generation. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)
