IN A significant move towards prioritizing the well-being of adolescents, the Adolescent Health Development Program (ADHP) Council held its first meeting on December 22, 2023, at the City Tourism Office.
Chaired by Mayor Jane Yap, the council is poised to play a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing the ADHP strategy and plan in the City Government of Tagbilaran.
Representing Mayor Yap at the inaugural meeting was City Administrator Cathelyn Torremocha.
The ADHP Council serves as the overarching coordinating body with a specific focus on reducing unintended teen pregnancy and adolescent childbirth in Tagbilaran City.
The council, comprised of key stakeholders, includes: Vice Chairperson Dr. Jeia Pondoc, the City Health Officer; a representative from each of the following: the Council for Children and Protection, City Youth Development Officer, City Interior and Local Government Officer, City Planning and Development Officer, Barangay Affairs and Constituency Unit, SK Federation President, City Population and Commission Development Officer, and representatives from the Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Youth Organization, Kalinaw, and the USAID Research Health Project.
Highlights from the first meeting included an in-depth discussion of strategies to address issues involving adolescents, with a particular emphasis on collaboration with the private sector.
The council expressed its intention to conduct a workshop in February for all council and technical working group members.
The workshop aims to facilitate the creation of comprehensive programs and policies for the effective implementation of the ADHP strategy and plan.
Through City Administrator Torremocha, Mayor Yap expressed her commitment to the initiative, stating, “The ADHP Council signifies our dedication to the health and well-being of our adolescents.
By bringing together key stakeholders, we aim to create impactful strategies and policies that will contribute to the reduction of unintended teen pregnancies and promote overall adolescent health.”
The first meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to address critical health issues among adolescents in Tagbilaran City.
The ADHP Council’s commitment to involving various sectors and fostering partnerships underscores the city’s proactive stance in ensuring the welfare and development of its younger population.
