A Community That Cares: PTA Leads the Way in Transforming the Teen Center

A school is more than classrooms and corridors—it is a safe haven where young people find guidance, care, and hope. At the heart of our campus stands the Teen Center, a space dedicated to nurturing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our learners. Over time, however, the growing student population has made it evident that this vital facility needs improvement, particularly the clinic, which must be expanded to better accommodate students in need of immediate care and attention.

Moved by this pressing need, an earnest appeal was made to our parents—not merely for financial assistance, but for partnership in building a more comfortable, functional, and inclusive space for our learners. The response was both heartening and inspiring. The Parent-Teacher Association, under the strong and compassionate leadership of Mrs. Nanette Exaure, answered the call. This year, the PTA made the renovation and extension of the Teen Center a top priority, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to student welfare.

To raise much-needed funds, the PTA launched meaningful initiatives that blended purpose with community spirit. Among these were the “Search for Mrs. Agay NHS” and “Dinner for a Cause,” activities that brought together parents, teachers, and stakeholders in a shared mission. These events were fully supported by our School Principal, Mr. Elizalde Chavit, along with the dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff of Agay National High School. Parents also came in full force to show their support, turning the occasion into a true celebration of unity and bayanihan.

Adding credibility and honor to the event were distinguished individuals who generously served as judges for the contest: Mr. Nester Silling of the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), Mrs. Juvy Milan Reyes, District Supervisor, and Former Sangguniang Bayan Member Bernarditha Daquipil. Their presence underscored the significance of the advocacy and strengthened the community’s trust in the initiative.

Beyond the glamour and festivities, these activities carried a deeper purpose. Every contribution made and every ticket purchased translated into tangible support for the Teen Center’s improvement. The proceeds will greatly benefit our advocacy under the YOLO Program, ensuring that more students have access to a safe space for care, guidance, and support.

More than a fundraising effort, this initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a school community works together with a shared vision. With sincere gratitude, we thank the PTA, our school leaders, staff, parents, and partners for proving that when a community chooses to care, transformation becomes possible. Together, we are not just renovating a facility—we are strengthening a lifeline for our youth.

Harmony for Healing: Agay NHS Youth Unite in Faith, Health, and Advocacy

Agay National High School came alive with faith, movement, and purpose as teachers and students immersed themselves in the presence of God during Praise Jam 2025, held at the Agay NHS Covered Court on December 16, 2025. United in dance and worship, the school community celebrated not only their spirituality but also their shared commitment to youth health, awareness, and holistic development.

Organized by the Supreme Learners Government (SLG) and Peer Health Navigators, under the supervision of their adviser Mr. Jayson Patalinghug, the activity forms part of the school’s active implementation of the Youth Optimizing Life Opportunities (YOLO) program. YOLO aims to empower adolescents to make informed, healthy, and values-driven life choices—addressing not just physical well-being, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Praise Jam 2025 also served as a meaningful celebration of HIV–AIDS Awareness, blending advocacy with worship in a way that resonated deeply with the youth. Invited speaker Ptr. Michael Feril delivered a powerful and relatable discussion on the dangers of HIV–AIDS, emphasizing how risky behaviors are often rooted in deeper emotional and spiritual struggles. He highlighted the vital connection between adolescent health and one’s relationship with God, reminding students that faith and spirituality can serve as strong foundations for self-worth, discipline, and responsible decision-making.

The activity was made more impactful through strong community partnerships. The school collaborated with the Christ-Centered Youth Organization (CCYO), spearheaded by Mr. Nissi Madayag, whose members helped foster a worship-filled atmosphere grounded in Christian values. Support also came from the Local Youth Development Office, headed by Mr. Nestor Silling, reflecting a shared commitment between the school and local government to promote youth development, health education, and values formation.

Through Praise Jam 2025, Agay National High School demonstrated that effective youth programs go beyond information campaigns—they create safe spaces where young people can reflect, worship, learn, and grow. By integrating YOLO implementation, HIV–AIDS awareness, and spiritual formation, the school strengthened its advocacy for a holistic approach to adolescent health.

More than an event, Praise Jam 2025 stood as a testament to what can be achieved when schools, faith-based organizations, and community partners work together: empowered youth, informed minds, and hearts anchored in faith and purpose.

Beyond Conflict: RTR Team Guides Former Rebels on a Path to Healing

BRGY. DEL PILAR — True peace is rarely found solely in the signing of treaties or the laying down of arms; it is often found in the quiet, difficult work of healing the mind and spirit.

On December 9, 2025, the headquarters of the 29th Infantry Battalion became a sanctuary for this kind of healing. In a landmark initiative bridging security and social care, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Team of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) extended a lifeline to former rebels from Barangay San Antonio and Barangay Tagbongabong, guiding them through the complex journey of reintegration.

A Holistic Approach to Reintegration 

The transition from a life of conflict back to civilian society is fraught with invisible challenges. Recognizing that "returning to the fold" requires more than just logistical support, the event focused on providing psychological first aid and emotional clarity.

The session was facilitated by a powerhouse inter-agency coalition designed to address every aspect of the returnees' well-being. Leading the charge were Mr. Hilario Tejano Jr., Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer, who provided the social safety net framework, and the Rural Health Unit Team led by Ms. Elaine De Vera, who addressed the physical and medical intersections of mental health.

From the Classroom to the Community: A Champion for Healing 

A standout figure in this initiative was Mr. Jayson Patalinghug, the YOLO Coordinator of Agay National High School. His presence at the 29th IB Headquarters underscored a vital message: mental health advocacy cannot be confined within the four walls of a school.

Patalinghug has become one of RTR’s most dynamic voices for community wellness. By stepping out of the academic setting and into the field of peacebuilding, he demonstrated that the principles used to empower youth—empathy, listening, and guidance—are equally potent when applied to vulnerable groups and families seeking a fresh start. His work ensures that the concept of "holistic well-being" is a reality for all citizens, regardless of their past.

A Dynamic Partnership for Resilience 

The success of the event was heavily anchored in the enduring partnership between Mr. Patalinghug and Mr. Nestor Silling, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Officer (MDRRMO) of RTR.

Together, Silling and Patalinghug have forged a collaborative model that is rare in local governance. They have effectively linked disaster resilience with psychological resilience, understanding that a community is only as strong as the mental health of its people. Their joint efforts have created a ripple effect across the municipality, bridging the gap between youth development, disaster preparedness, and peace advocacy. This initiative was yet another testament to their belief that unified leadership is the key to fostering a culture of peace.

United for a Shared Mission 

The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Silling in close coordination with the 29th Infantry Battalion. This collaboration between the Local Government Unit and the Security Sector highlights a modern approach to counter-insurgency—one that prioritizes humanization and care over conflict.

The activity was made possible through the funding and unwavering support of Mayor Richard Daquipil and First Lady Mrs. Bernarditha Daquipil. Their administration’s backing serves as a strong political statement that RTR is dedicated to inclusive development, where no constituent is left behind in the process of community recovery.

Rebuilding Purpose 

For the former rebels in attendance, the day offered something priceless: a safe, non-judgmental environment. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the session, noting that it gave them the space to reflect on their experiences and the tools to manage their emotions as they rebuild their sense of purpose.

As RTR continues to move forward, events like this stand as a beacon of hope. They prove that with the right leaders, supportive governance, and a community willing to listen, the wounds of the past can heal, paving the way for a lasting and genuine peace.