Capitol’s Youth Camp Highlights Awareness on Teenage Pregnancy, HIV
With the objective of promoting awareness on sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy, close to 200 youth participated in the “3rd Provincial Summer Youth Camp” held at Alta Garden Resort, Cordova, Cebu.
The three-day camp, which runs from May 30 to June 1, aims to boost the level of awareness of the participants and to encourage them to conduct their own sustainable advocacies in their respective areas.
“Be responsible and try to be passionate of what your advocacy is. Not all are given this opportunity. Please share your learning in your community,” said Jobel Angan-Davide, first lady of Cebu Province, in her message to the youth.
In 2016, Central Visayas ranked seventh in the most number of teenage pregnancy cases in the country; while the regional office of the Department of Health recorded 98 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections from January to April this year.
“We all struggle just waiting for the right moment. Often, when things are falling apart, they are actually falling into place. Be at ease because what is meant for you will not miss you; and what misses you was never meant for you. God is always in control. He always cares,” the wife of Gov. Hilario P. Davide III added.
With the theme, “Ako Mahimo: A campaign against teenage pregnancy and HIV and AIDS,” Provincial Youth Commission chairperson Charlton James Canoy expressed his hopes for the participating youth leaders to mobilize their fellow youth in this endeavor.
“Karon aduna nay SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) daghan nang youth leaders ang makatabang nato para makahatag ta og serbisyo ug inspiration sa atong mga kabatan-onan. (Now that we have SK, we have more youth leaders who can serve and give inspiration to the Cebuano youth),” said Canoy.
Rhoda Anne Joice Madrazo, SK Federation president in Pilar, Camotes Islands, vowed to help her community implement projects that would help veer away the youth from early pregnancy.
“Think before engaging (in pre-marital sex). Give back to your parents and establish your own family once you are financially stable,” said Madrazo.
The camp is spearheaded by the Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), and in collaboration with the Commission on Population (PopCom). Also present were PSWDO head Marivic Garces and PopCom 7 Director lawyer Bruce Ragas.
