Reg’l committee on gender, dev’t presents adolescent sexual, reproductive health study
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- The Caraga Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) Chairperson and Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano presented the findings and recommendations of the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Study conducted in Barangay Abilan, Buenavista, during the culmination program of the National Women's Month Celebration held in the same barangay on March 27.
The study, which surveyed 151 adolescents (74 females and 77 males), shed light on the sexual and reproductive health challenges faced by the youth in the community. While the reported rates of pregnancy and impregnation were low, the study revealed significant rates of verbal (66.9 percent), physical (32.5 percent) and sexual (11.3 percent) abuse among the adolescents, with notable gender differences in the prevalence of these issues.
The findings also indicated high rates of premarital sex (31.1 percent) and alcohol consumption (55.6 percent), with personal problems and peer pressure being cited as the main reasons behind these behaviors.
In his presentation, Makinano emphasized the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to address these challenges. He outlined key recommendations for the barangay council of Abilan, municipal government of Buenavista, and CPD Caraga, which included:
1. Collaborating with schools, health centers, and youth organizations to develop and implement age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and gender-responsive ASRH education programs.
2. Establishing a barangay-level task force to address the high rates of abuse among adolescents, focusing on prevention, reporting, and support services for survivors.
3. Organizing
community-based campaigns to raise awareness about the risks associated with
smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use among adolescents, and promoting
healthy alternatives and coping mechanisms.
4. Allocating
resources to support the implementation of ASRH programs and services,
particularly in areas with high rates of adolescent pregnancy, Sexually
transmitted infections/ human immunodeficiency virus (STIs/HIV), and substance use.
5. Developing and enforcing policies that protect adolescents from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
The culmination program, organized by the Caraga RGADC and supported by several regional line agencies, a state college, and a civil society organization (CSO), brought together community leaders, health workers, educators, and youth representatives to discuss the study's findings and develop actionable plans to improve ASRH in Barangay Abilan and the surrounding areas.
The event also featured the provision of free services and gift packs to adolescent mothers in the barangay, demonstrating the commitment of the Caraga RGADC and its partners to support and empower young women in the region.
Makinano commended the collaborative efforts of the participating agencies and organizations, stating, "By working together and leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we can create a supportive and enabling environment for our adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and access the services and support they need to lead healthy and productive lives."
As Caraga Region continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its youth, the insights and recommendations from this study will serve as a valuable foundation for evidence-based interventions and policies that empower adolescents and promote their overall development. (May Ann O. Escobal, CPD Caraga/PIA Caraga)
