KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – In a significant step toward strengthening the welfare and development of young people, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2026, creating the Adolescent and Youth Health Development Council in the province of South Cotabato.
The executive order institutionalizes a coordinated approach in implementing programs and policies that promote the health, protection, and overall well-being of adolescents and children across South Cotabato.
Provincial Population Officer Melanie C. Chiva said the council will focus on consolidating and strengthening programs that directly benefit children and adolescents, while ensuring that all concerned sectors work together toward achieving common development goals.
“We are calling for the whole of the society approach”. Chiva said
According to Chiva, the special council demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of young people by providing a unified mechanism that coordinates programs and interventions for adolescents and parents.
“The challenge is on the parents to give more time to your children and to address the communication gap and that is balance the economic side of our family. Ang inculcation of values and discipline sang aton mga kabataan mag umpisa sa aton panimalay.” Chiva added.
She explained that it will also identify existing gaps, recommend policy improvements, and ensure that services remain responsive to the changing needs of young people.
Chiva emphasized that the initiative is not limited to the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and its local government units (LGUs) but also recognizes the vital role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), partner agencies, educational institutions, youth organizations, and other development partners.
“This initiative is not only between the Provincial Government and the local government units. It also calls for the active participation of Civil Society Organizations and all sectors that advocate for the welfare of children and adolescents,” Chiva emphasized.
The Provincial Population Office also noted that regular monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to ensure that programs remain effective and aligned with national and local development priorities.
Governor Tamayo’s issuance of Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2026, reflects the provincial government’s continuing commitment to inclusive governance by placing children and young people at the center of development planning.
