The Municipality of Sto. Niño has officially launched the DAPITAY Program, an initiative designed to enhance adolescent health and development. The program, formally known as the Information and Service Delivery Network for Adolescent Health and Development, was introduced at a ceremony held at the Open Gymnasium on the Municipal Grounds.
The DAPITAY Program short for “Delivering Adolescents’ Protective/Preventive Information and Trainings and Accessible Services in Yielding Batang Sto. Niño Program” aims to provide young people in Sto. Niño with easy access to vital health services and information. By doing so, it seeks to create a more informed and healthier adolescent community.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including members of the ISDN network, local government officials, educators, and students. In his opening remarks, Municipal Mayor Hon. Sulpicio F. Villalobos emphasized the importance of supporting the youth’s health and overall development.
“Our vision is to create an environment where our young people can thrive, equipped with the resources they need for their well-being and growth,” Mayor Villalobos said.
Additional remarks were provided by Ms. Melanie C. Chiva, Provincial Population Officer of South Cotabato, and Ms. Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian, Regional Director of the Commission on Population and Development – Regional Office XII (CPD XII). Both speakers highlighted the collaborative efforts that brought the DAPITAY Program to fruition.
“Today is the time for action. We must collectively use our resources to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth,” RD Garganian urged.
Mr. Vincent F. Abay, the ISDN Program’s focal person, outlined the program’s objectives and the expected positive impact on adolescent health and development. Meanwhile, Ms. Crispy C. Arves, Population Program Officer IV for PPO South Cotabato, discussed the various adolescent health and development (AHD) initiatives currently being implemented to address the specific needs of young people in the municipality.
The event also featured the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for Sto. Niño’s new Teen Center, symbolizing the official start of the DAPITAY Program. Attendees were given a guided tour of the center, where they were introduced to the facilities and services available to the youth.
The launch of the DAPITAY Program marks a significant milestone for Sto. Niño, reflecting the local government’s commitment to promoting the health and development of its adolescent population. Through continued partnership with CPD XII and other key stakeholders, the municipality is dedicated to ensuring a brighter and healthier future for its young residents.
