KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has strengthened its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of young people following the signing of Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2026 by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., creating the Provincial Task Force on Adolescent Health and Youth Development.
The newly established Task Force is mandated to lead the formulation and implementation of evidence-based programs and interventions through the development of the 2026–2032 Strategic Plan for Adolescent Health and Youth Development. The strategic plan will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the most pressing issues affecting adolescents across the province.
Provincial Population Officer Melanie C. Chiva emphasized the importance of the strategic plan in ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to adolescent issues.
“The strategic plan will guide our province in implementing more systematic, responsive, and sustainable interventions that address the diverse needs of adolescents and youth in our communities,” Chiva said.
Among the priority concerns identified by the Task Force are the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy, particularly among girls aged 10 to 14, the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases, early marriage and cohabitation, increasing suicide cases, and growing mental health concerns among young people.
The Provincial Government worked closely with Mahintana Foundation, Inc. and Save the Children Philippines, Inc. in crafting the strategic plan. They were joined by several civil society organizations, including the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Tboli Leaders Development Foundation, Inc. (TLDFI), OND-Hesed, Bangsamoro Women Association, Muslim Council of Elders, and HaUman Association, Inc., ensuring that the plan reflects a broad, inclusive, and community-based approach.
Liza Duropan-Lopez, Executive Director of Mahintana Foundation, Inc., said the collaboration underscores the importance of strong partnerships in addressing the growing challenges affecting adolescents.
“This strategic plan provides a clear direction for all stakeholders to work together toward a common goal. By aligning our efforts, we can better respond to the issues affecting young people and ensure that they have access to the support, services, and opportunities they need to grow into healthy, resilient, and productive members of society,” Duropan-Lopez said.
The Provincial Task Force also brings together key government agencies and stakeholders, including the Department of Education–South Cotabato Division, Department of the Interior and Local Government, South Cotabato Provincial Police Office, Integrated Provincial Health Office, Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Women, Children and Population, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, Liga ng mga Barangay, Provincial Youth Development Office, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, and the Provincial Public Employment Services Unit.
The Office of the Provincial Population Officer (OPPO) serves as the Task Force Secretariat.
Through this multi-sectoral partnership, the Provincial Government aims to bring adolescent health and youth development programs closer to communities, ensuring that every young South Cotabateño has access to quality services, protection, and opportunities that promote their health, safety, and overall development.
The initiative reinforces Governor Tamayo’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and proactive approach to building a healthier, safer, and more empowered generation of South Cotabateños.
