The Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. and the Department of Health hosted a youth assembly that centered on sensitive issues at the Barangay 2 Hall in Bacolod City today, Nov. 11.
Barangay 2 officials and the Sangguniang Kabataan Council helped in organizing the gathering where speakers discussed HIV, teenage pregnancy and gender sensitivity, a press release from the Bacolod City Public Information Office said.
“This is the very first barangay to come up with this assembly. This is very relevant, especially for our young adults. It is important because this is our reality. This is what is happening in our community today,” Mayor Evelio Leonardia said after he was welcomed by Barangay 2 Captain Imelda Banguanga.
The city must face these pressing issues together, the nayor said, as he expressed hopes that more barangays will adopt the program to help educate residents.
He reminded the audience that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
PSFI Peer Navigator Arnulfo Makilan, DOH HIV Case Manager Amity Sabadisto and Social Hygiene Clinic Division Chief Dr. Babylin Drilon rendered their expertise on HIV, teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection, respectively.*