The Provincial Population Office (PPO) continues to work hard to bring vital services to even the most remote communities. For three days, the PPO organized the “Convergence of Population Management Advocacies” in four sitios of Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. This important initiative reached 496 people, including parents and young individuals, with the goal of educating them on topics like adolescent health, responsible parenting, and population management. The program was carried out with the help of the Barangay Local Government Unit, schools, and other partners to ensure its success.
One of the program’s main highlights was its emphasis on adolescent health and development. A total of 333 students from grades 7 through 11 took part in sessions that used films to spark discussions about important issues. These sessions addressed issues such as arranged marriage, which is still prevalent in some Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) communities. The talks also revolved around Republic Act 11596, also known as the Anti-Child Marriage Law, which protects minors from early and forced marriages. The team’s sharing of this knowledge helped young people realize their rights and the importance of making informed future decisions. In addition, 51 Kibang National High School students in Grades 9 and 10 attended the Responsible Adolescence Seminar (RAC-RAS) to learn about making wise decisions, avoiding risky behaviors, and developing age-appropriate life skills.
The program also acknowledged the important role parents play in shaping their children’s lives. The Parent Education on Adolescent Health and Development (PEAD) conference brought together twenty-one parents to discuss how to improve family communication and establish a healthy home environment. The conference provided parents with practical advice on how to respect strong family values while guiding their children through puberty. The PPO gives parents and teenagers the information and abilities they need to make better decisions for their families and futures by providing health and population education.
These isolated areas were difficult to access. The PPO together with their partners had to cross difficult terrains to provide their services to the far-flung areas. Their efforts are a perfect illustration of the province’s determination and commitment to deliver the ‘Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo’ to all South Cotabateños, regardless of where they live.
