Empowered Choices, Healthier Lives: Promoting Informed Adolescent Decision-Making in Brgy. Rawis, Dulag, Leyte

On April 25, 2025, adolescents from Barangay Rawis, Dulag, Leyte, gathered at the Function Hall of their community for an important learning session titled "Empowered Choices, Healthier Lives: The Power of Informed Adolescent Decision-Making." The activity aimed to equip young people with accurate information on adolescent health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and teenage pregnancy, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures. Around 22 participants, aged 13 to 19 years old, attended the seminar, reflecting the growing recognition of the need for youth-centered health education in the community.

FundLife was invited to contribute to the seminar by delivering a presentation focused on common sexually transmitted infections in the Philippines. Coach Lyra initiated the session with an engaging warm-up activity that assessed participants’ existing knowledge and addressed widespread myths and misconceptions about STIs. This interactive start set an open, welcoming tone, encouraging young participants to actively participate and voice their ideas and questions. Following the warm-up, Mx. Art Vincent Salem led a comprehensive discussion on the various types of STIs, providing in-depth, accurate information about symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment. Mx. Art emphasized the importance of informed choices and proactive health-seeking behavior, reminding participants, “The decisions that we make today can affect the lives that we will live tomorrow.” The message underscored the life-long impact of decisions made during adolescence, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health.

The seminar featured a range of expert speakers who enriched the discussions with their specialized knowledge. Roinuj Hipol, a medical intern, discussed the physical and emotional changes adolescents experience, helping participants better understand their bodies and emotions during puberty and adolescence. Mr. Ace C. Saduia, RN, the Municipal Population Officer of Dulag, Leyte, contributed by showcasing an educational video from the Provincial Population Office and Provincial Youth Development Office entitled the Adolescent Reproductive Health Puppet Show, which creatively conveyed important reproductive health messages to the participants. Whitney Moling, another medical intern, led a discussion on teenage pregnancy, addressing its causes, consequences, and the importance of prevention through education and responsible decision-making. Meldred C. Matol, RSW, shared information about programs under the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office that are designed to support adolescents and promote their health and well-being.

The event formally opened with welcoming remarks by Hon. Leysa M. Capongcol, who emphasized the value of providing young people with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their health and build a better future. The session closed with an encouraging message delivered by Dr. Daisyrie Pamogas, who reinforced the importance of continuous learning and responsible decision-making. The session was further graced by the presence of notable guests, including Sir Rodel Catapal, Provincial Youth Development Officer, and Ma’am Melchora Cawile, Provincial Population Officer. Their attendance demonstrated strong institutional support for adolescent health initiatives and highlighted the commitment of local and provincial leaders to ensuring young people have access to comprehensive, accurate health information.

The Empowered Choices, Healthier Lives seminar was a vital step in promoting health education and informed decision-making among the youth of Barangay Rawis, Dulag, Leyte. By fostering a safe space for learning and discussion, the activity not only increased awareness about STIs, adolescent health, and teenage pregnancy but also empowered the participants to become advocates for healthier communities. With support from FundLife and dedicated local health advocates, adolescents in Dulag are now better equipped to make choices that will positively shape their lives and their futures.