By: Ma. Neri M. Magdangan
SPCIHS
One of the flagship programs of the Oplan sa Kalusugan sa Deped is Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH). It focuses on the establishment of facilities of information for responsible parenthood and reproductive health concerns, including capacity building and health promotion activities for learners and DepEd personnel.
This webinar aims to engage adolescents in meaningful activities and urge the community to help teenagers make a smooth transition into adulthood. It also serves as a department’s response to the growing numbers of teen-age pregnancy, AIDS and HIV cases.
The said webinar took place last April 12, 2022 from 9:00 in the morning till 10:00 with the theme Transition: changes from childhood to adulthood physically and mentally”. It was attended by almost a hundred students and teachers. Our Head Teacher I in science, Mr. John Roldan C. Dimaano and Principal III Dr. Lina M. Laguras graced the said event by giving the opening remarks and inspirational message consecutively. The resource speaker, Mr. Alquin B. Panergayo thoroughly discussed on “Peer Education Training on Adolescent Sexuality and Understanding Adolescence Puberty and Fertility Awareness. He shared the different informations regarding the reproductive health status of adolescents in Laguna particularly in San Pablo. The 5 I’s of adolescent was given highlight. It includes adolescent’s independence such as making own decision, power to choose as well as expressing own opinion. Next is identity such as asking big questions as who am I? or what do I want to be? Intimacy where you want to be connected with the people who can understand and accept you for who you are or look for close relationship with your peer. Fourth is intellect, the power to think and become smarter. And lastly integrity. The power to choose what is right and what is not right to guide your actions and choices. He stressed that adolescence is a critical period in life. It is the time when they discover who they are and what they become. So it is important to enjoy this period of development in a safe and healthy way. He also reminded the students to ‘Learn to say NO, Learn to respect your body and Know your limits”. Online evaluation of the session was conducted to monitor its effectiveness and applicability. The said program was ended with the awarding of certificates to the speaker and the closing remark made by the OK sa Deped Coordinator Mr. Gerry Barleta.. The said webinar really helped our adolescents on making the right decision and choices particularly concerning their reproductive health.
