Adolescence is a phase of life between childhood and adulthood, from ages ten (10) to nineteen (19) and considered period of rapid development. Physical, hormonal, neurological and psychosocial changes make this a time of adventure and learning. As health service providers, it is imperative that we ensure their health and safety while allowing them to learn and grow into well-informed, empowered, responsible and healthy citizens who will be future leaders in the society.

In recent years, issues such as early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (HIV and AIDS), substance abuse, violence and mental illness threatened to derail the vision of adolescents into becoming healthy and productive citizens of this country. One of the strategic interventions to answer the current health issues among adolescents is to introduce and educate them about Adolescent Health and Youth Development.

Ever cognizant of the importance of this life phase, the Provincial Health Office conducted a 1-Day Adolescent Health and Youth Development Symposium among selected Grade 12 students of Jacinto P. Elpa National High School held at Vicente T. Pimentel Jr. Hall (formerly known as Social Hall), Capitol Hills, Telaje, Tandag City last October 12, 2022.

Topics discussed during the symposium are the following:
1. Adolescent Immunization
2. Drugs and Substance Abuse
3. HIV /AIDS and STI
4. National Voluntary Blood Services Program
5. Nutrition for Adolescence and Recommended Physical Activities
6. Basic Anatomy and Physiology of Male and Female Reproductive Organs
7. Teenage Pregnancy
8. Gender and Development on Adolescence
9. Adolescent Mental Health

“Young people are the world’s greatest untapped resource. Adolescents can be the key driving forces in building a future of dignity for all. - Anonymous"