Empowering Youth: Advocating for Peer Health Navigation at Leadership Summit 2025

RTR, Agusan del Norte — Jayson Patalinghug, the dynamic YOLO Coordinator of Agay National High School (Agay NHS), took center stage at the Youth Leadership Summit 2025, where he shared his expertise on *Peer Health Navigation*—a transformative approach to empowering young people as advocates for healthier communities. Organized by the 29th Infantry Battalion, RTR-LGU, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), the summit brought together youth leaders from seven barangays of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) to address pressing social issues, including drug abuse prevention, mental and reproductive health, and counter-terrorism awareness.  

Peer Navigators: Catalysts for Change

Patalinghug’s session, titled *“Peer Navigators as Influencers: Helping Teens and Young Adults Lead Healthier Lives Together,”* highlighted the critical role of youth in bridging gaps in health education and access. “When peers guide peers, trust is built naturally,” he explained. “Young people are more likely to listen to someone their own age, especially when discussing sensitive topics like mental health or reproductive rights.” His interactive presentation emphasized practical strategies for peer navigators, such as active listening, non-judgmental support, and leveraging social media to disseminate accurate health information.  

A Summit of Solutions

The Youth Leadership Summit 2025 served as a platform for holistic discussions, with experts and community leaders tackling urgent challenges:  

Anti-Drug and Terrorism Campaigns: Sessions reinforced the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of youth vigilance against violent extremism.  

Mental Health Awareness: Workshops equipped participants with tools to recognize signs of distress and promote emotional well-being.  

Reproductive Health Education: Open dialogues debunked myths and encouraged responsible decision-making.  

Patalinghug’s insights resonated deeply, aligning with the summit’s goal of fostering proactive, informed youth leaders. “Health navigation isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about creating a culture of care,” he remarked.  

A Legacy of Youth Empowerment

As the YOLO (Youth for Life and Opportunities) Coordinator of Agay NHS, Patalinghug has long championed student-led initiatives, from mental health peer counseling to anti-drug advocacy. His participation in the summit underscored the power of collaboration between schools, local government, and the military in shaping resilient communities.  

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from attendees to serve as peer influencers in their barangays. For Patalinghug, the message was clear: “When we empower one young person, we ignite a ripple effect. Together, we’re not just navigating health—we’re navigating change.”  

The Youth Leadership Summit 2025 was made possible through the joint efforts of the 29th Infantry Battalion, RTR-LGU, and SK, with support from stakeholders dedicated to youth development and social progress.