South Cotabato continues to be devoted to youth and family development through two efficient programs implemented in Barangay Malugong, T’boli South Cotabato and Barangay Sajaneba, Sto. Niño. The programs were aimed at equipping adolescents with information to make positive life choices and reinforcing the role of fathers in creating healthy and caring families.
78 young people aged 12 to 15 years attended a forum in Barangay Malugong that covered relevant issues such as teen pregnancy, early and arranged marriages, and education. The forum aimed at making people realize the long-term impacts of such issues while challenging youth to embrace education and make informed decisions on their futures. The youth were given a secure platform to express themselves and discuss issues with facilitators who provided professional guidance.
The program was a success thanks to Malugong’s Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) and parents who recognized the importance of raising a well-informed and empowered generation. They took an active role, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in youth issues and education as a means to a better tomorrow.
In Barangay Sajaneba, a Kalalakihan Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) Seminar was held with fathers, as well as an Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Film Dissemination Session for youth.
The KATROPA Seminar focused on responsible fatherhood with emphasis on family leadership, gender sensitivity, and the key role of men in establishing a supportive home environment. The discussion challenged fathers to take an active role in raising their children and establishing a culture of responsible parenting. In addition, the AHD Film Session taught adolescents important information on reproductive health, adolescent rights, and effective decision-making. Adolescents were exposed to real-life circumstances using visual storytelling, which helped them better comprehend the challenges they will likely experience and how to handle them appropriately.
These programs, organized by the Provincial Population Office (PPO) in conjunction with barangay officials and advocacy stakeholders, demonstrate South Cotabato’s continuous commitment to family strengthening, youth empowerment, and sound decision-making. The province is moving in the right way by providing parents and teenagers with the knowledge they need to make healthy decisions.
