Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Provincial Government of Mountain Province through its Provincial Population Office, spearheaded a Seminar-Workshop on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), HIV/AIDS Prevention and MSM Advocacy on July 17-18, 2015 here.
The activity aims to accurately and timely disseminate objective information on Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH), Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), and Gender Sensitivity while also relaying the protective measures available in STD cases, HIV/AIDS, and access to health services particularly those affecting fertility-related matters. Also, this is to enhance the student’s competence in overcoming local myths, obstacles and opposition to ARH related programs.
According to Provincial Population Officer Shirley Chiyawan, 140 college students in the province participated in the activity.
She added that the activity focused on lectures and workshop which responds to the purpose of the activity as accurate and timely information dissemination about STD, HIV/AIDS, and gender-related issues that affect and will affect the lives of the participants.
The speakers were Provincial Population Officer Shirley Chiyawan, Tyronne Glen Lawey of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Alfred Fomocao Jr., Timothy Puma-at of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), and George Apolinar of MINAMAGKIT Organization.
In an interview, Tyronne Glen Lawey, one of the speakers, shared that youth empowerment is a better tool if appropriate measures and services are made available to adolescents and young adults. Providing them with timely information gives them options to take action on a personal level considering the risks involved on their health and their future.
Lawey added that being properly informed raises their consciousness to take active part in community-related issues, thus strengthening resolve in mitigating the problem and discouraging misconceived plans motivated by culture and myths that often result in health endangerment. “Recognizing the role and the rights of young men and women is a giant leap in obviating the problem and its impacts,” he said. // By Erwin S. Batnag
