Indigent Teens Underwent Menstrual Health Workshop

About 90 Pantawid Pamilya female monitored children from Maria, Siquijor recently underwent Menstrual Health Workshop (MHW) facilitated by United States Peace Corps Volunteers with the support of the local health unit.

The MHW stresses the importance of menstrual health and having proper knowledge about puberty.

Adolescent Health Expert, John Lumapay served as the main speaker of the said event that was done by batches last April and May.

MHW dubbed as Just R.E.A.L (Responsibly Educated Adolescent Ladies)
started with each girl receiving white T-shirt.  The girls then tie-dyed their respective shirts with different patterns using the shades of pink and red.

“This activity symbolizes the body changes each girl is going through,” explained Emilee Smith, Peace Corps Volunteer.

Smith added that among the highlight of the activity was the Myth vs. Fact, which tested the participants knowledge about menstrual health that also included an interactive demonstration on types of feminine products that could be used during menstruation like tampons and re-usable napkins.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Sexually Transmitted Disease prevention were also discussed.
“They were also given the opportunity to act out against pressure lines from the opposite sex,” Smith said.

She further said that at the end of each workshop, the participants were reminded on how beautiful they are and how much power they have over their body and their future.

‘An educated girl, is an empowered female,” Smith cited.

Jeanette Bugay together with her sister Judy Mae were among the female participants of the said activity.

“I learned that the changes in my body are normal and that other girls are also experiencing it,” shares Jeanette.

Judy, 14, for her part disclosed that the workshop made her better understand the risks of early pregnancy.“The workshop provided us information on how to prevent early pregnancy.”

Judy and Jeanette are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program children-beneficiary.

Pantawid Pamilya is the conditional cash transfer of the Philippine government that invests in the health and education of poor children aged 0-18. It hopes to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty by helping the parents send their children to school and avail of the health programs offered by the government.