Empowering Tomorrow: Adolescent Job Aid 2.0 Skills Enhancement Training Equips Health Workers and Educators in Agusan del Norte

Butuan City, May 21–23, 2025 — In a significant move toward strengthening adolescent health services in the region, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) successfully conducted the Adolescent Job Aid 2.0 Skills Enhancement Training at the Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City. The three-day event gathered dedicated health professionals and educators from various municipalities across Agusan del Norte, reflecting a unified commitment to improve the health and well-being of the youth.

Spearheaded by Mrs. Semonette Pabillore, PPO IV/PGADH-PSWDO and Mr. Tristan Amante PDO II, the training was part of the province's continuing efforts to support the implementation of the Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP). The initiative also emphasized the accreditation of adolescent-friendly health facilities by the Department of Health (DOH).

The training was expertly facilitated by an esteemed panel of resource persons: Rosanna G. Duran, Division YOLO-ARH Coordinator; Jayson S. Patalinghug, Agay National High School YOLO-ARH Coordinator; Alconcita T. Portillano, RM, MPA, Midwife VI and Regional Family Planning Coordinator; and Arlys D. Demata, DOH Consultant. Their collective experience and passion for adolescent health inspired the participants to engage deeply with the program content.

Attendees, which included municipal Rural Health Unit (RHU) staff, school guidance designates, and health professionals from the Division of Agusan del Norte, underwent comprehensive sessions on addressing the unique concerns of adolescents—ranging from mental health and reproductive health to peer pressure and digital-age challenges.

One of the training’s key outcomes was the formulation of tailored action plans by participants. These plans focus on the effective implementation of the AHDP in their respective localities and schools. The participants were also equipped with the knowledge and tools to establish or enhance Teen Centers—safe, youth-friendly spaces that provide counseling, education, and support services.

The PSWDO emphasized the crucial role of accreditation by the DOH for all established adolescent-friendly health facilities. Such accreditation ensures that services provided are not only youth-sensitive but also meet national standards of care.

“This training is not just a skills enhancement—it is a call to action. We are empowering our frontliners to become stronger advocates and implementers of adolescent health services. Together, we are building a future where every adolescent in Agusan del Norte has access to safe, informed, and compassionate care,” said Mrs. Pabillore during her closing remarks.

As the curtains close on the Adolescent Job Aid 2.0 Training, the energy and enthusiasm of the participants signal a promising leap forward for adolescent health initiatives in the region. With renewed skills and a shared vision, these champions of youth wellness are set to make a lasting impact across communities in Agusan del Norte.

The Silence That Hurts: When People Cut You Off Without Closure

Friendship is one of the most valuable bonds we form in life. It is built on trust, understanding, and the unspoken agreement that both parties will navigate the highs and lows together. But sometimes, this bond can be severed abruptly—without warning, conversation, or resolution. I experienced this when a close friend of mine chose to cut me off completely, believing that it was better to remove “toxic” people from his life, even if they had once been important to him. This experience has left a deep mark on me and has opened my eyes to the consequences of such decisions, especially when they are made without dialogue or consideration for the other person’s perspective.

My friend and I shared countless moments—laughter, support, secrets, and even arguments that we thought had strengthened our connection. One day, however, he simply stopped talking to me. No explanations, no discussion, just silence. Later, I found out through mutual acquaintances that he had labeled me as “toxic” and decided that cutting ties was the healthiest thing for him. While I believe everyone has the right to protect their peace, I couldn't help but feel blindsided, confused, and deeply hurt. His decision, made without any attempt to talk things through, left me with unresolved questions and emotional wounds that took a long time to process.

The truth is, not all people are immediately aware of how their actions may affect others. Sometimes, we hurt people without realizing it. We say things in the wrong tone, act selfishly in a moment of weakness, or fail to meet expectations we didn’t even know existed. But these faults don’t automatically make someone toxic—they make us human. And in any meaningful relationship, whether platonic or romantic, there must be room for growth, accountability, and most importantly, communication.

Open communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. It gives both parties the chance to express their feelings, explain their perspectives, and, when necessary, apologize and make amends. When someone is cut off without any opportunity for conversation, they are denied the chance to grow and to heal. More than that, they are denied their dignity. The silence becomes a void that fills with self-doubt, guilt, and anxiety. It can spiral into a painful cycle of overthinking—“What did I do wrong?” “Am I really that terrible of a person?” These thoughts weigh heavily on one’s mental health, fostering insecurity and emotional distress.

To be clear, I am not arguing that people should never end relationships. There are indeed situations where distance is necessary—when a person is abusive, consistently harmful, or refuses to acknowledge the pain they cause. But even then, there are ways to end a relationship with compassion and clarity. A simple conversation, a letter, or even a heartfelt message can go a long way in helping both sides find closure. Saying something like, “I value the time we shared, but I feel like our dynamic is no longer healthy for me,” can be powerful and respectful. It affirms boundaries without erasing the humanity of the other person.

In a culture that often romanticizes the idea of “cutting people off” as a sign of strength, we risk losing our capacity for empathy. True strength lies in facing discomfort, having difficult conversations, and recognizing that people are more than the worst versions of themselves. It lies in giving others the grace to grow, and ourselves the peace that comes from closure, not avoidance.

My friend’s decision to remove me from his life without a word still hurts. But it has also taught me the value of communication, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for compassion in all relationships. If there is one thing I hope others take away from my experience, it is this: Before you label someone as toxic and walk away, ask yourself if you've given them the chance to understand and to change. Sometimes, the problem isn't who they are, but what they don't yet realize about themselves. And sometimes, a conversation could make all the difference.

Reconnect with Nature: A Simple Path to Relieve Stress

As a teacher, I’ve witnessed how stress quietly takes hold of both students and colleagues. It shows up in different ways—burnout, anxiety, disengagement, even physical exhaustion. We live in a time when being “busy” is often worn like a badge of honor, and slowing down feels like a luxury we can’t afford. But if we don’t intentionally care for our mental health, we risk losing ourselves to the pressure.

One of the most effective and overlooked ways to recharge mentally is simple: spend time in nature.

I learned this not in a workshop or professional development session, but in my own quiet moments of near-burnout. In one of the most stressful weeks I’ve had, I decided to pack a few essentials, take my small electric bike, and head for the mountains. In the photo above, you’ll see me doing exactly that—leaning back on a folding chair, with some snacks on a makeshift table, surrounded by nothing but the green silence of the forest. No Wi-Fi. No emails. Just wind, sunlight, and stillness.

That moment reminded me that nature doesn’t just offer a break from our routines—it offers healing. Scientific research supports this: time spent outdoors significantly reduces cortisol (our body’s main stress hormone), improves concentration, boosts mood, and even enhances creativity. The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku—forest bathing—a form of therapy through immersion in natural settings. But even without the science, our bodies instinctively know it. Nature calms us.

For teachers, who often carry emotional labor on top of academic responsibilities, nature can be a grounding space to reconnect with ourselves. A quiet morning walk, lunch under a tree, or simply breathing deeply while watching the clouds pass—these small acts can make a huge difference. They remind us that we are not machines; we are living beings who also need rest and beauty to thrive.

For students, especially in today’s hyper-connected world, the constant buzz of technology and expectations can be mentally overwhelming. Nature offers a space where performance doesn’t matter. There’s no pressure to “be” anything. You just exist—and that’s enough. Many of our learners are anxious, distracted, or emotionally fatigued, and a simple shift outdoors can help regulate those feelings. A quick walk after class, sitting beside a river, or watching the sunset can reset the brain in ways that screens never can.

The photo captures what this looks like in real life: no fancy setup, no expensive trip—just a few things packed in bags, a peaceful spot, and the choice to disconnect for a while. That’s the beauty of it: nature is accessible, free, and always waiting.

Incorporating nature into our routines doesn’t require drastic changes. It begins with a mindset shift—valuing stillness, giving ourselves permission to pause, and recognizing that mental health is not secondary to productivity; it’s a foundation for it.

As educators and learners, we owe it to ourselves and each other to model healthy ways of living. Connecting with nature is not an escape from responsibilities—it’s a return to balance. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to move forward with clarity and strength.

Building Bridges: Parent Teen Talk Sparks Emotional Conversations in Brgy. San Antonio

May 10, 2025 | Brgy. San Antonio, RTR, Agusan del Norte

In a heartfelt initiative to strengthen family bonds and promote healthy communication, the "Parent Teen Talk" activity held on May 9, 2025, in Brgy. San Antonio, RTR, became a transformative experience for 15 parent-adolescent pairs who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The event centered on building effective communication between parents and their teenage children — a critical need in today’s fast-evolving social landscape.

The activity was facilitated by Jayson Patalinghug, YOLO-ARH Coordinator of Agay National High School, and Ptra. Regene Sanchez, the school’s PTA President. It was made possible through a collaborative effort with the Provincial Population and Development Office headed by Mr. Tristan Amante, with staff support from Miguel Manuel Montajes; the Municipal Population Office of RTR led by Mrs. Roselyn Capundan; and the MSWD 4Ps Program coordinated by Mr. Javier G. Ampuan.

Participants were warmly welcomed by the Barangay officials of Brgy. San Antonio, led by SK Chairman Vincent Amante and Barangay Captain Hilario Sajulan Jr., who ensured that the venue was a comfortable and safe space for dialogue and learning.

Throughout the session, parents and their adolescent children engaged in guided conversations,
reflective activities, and discussions on emotional openness, listening, and understanding. What began with hesitant words and nervous laughter gradually transformed into deep conversations, shared realizations, and, ultimately, a moving emotional encounter that brought many participants to tears. Parents expressed regrets, hopes, and love, while teens voiced their thoughts, dreams, and silent struggles, many for the first time.

Adding a generous and thoughtful touch to the event’s conclusion, Mr. Tristan Amante distributed tumblers to all adolescent participants and 5 kilos of rice with canned goods to each of the parents — a gesture that underscored the program's holistic approach to both emotional and material well-being.

“This kind of activity is powerful,” said Mrs. Capundan. “When we give families the tools and space to communicate, we witness genuine healing and reconnection.”

One parent tearfully shared, “Today I understood how much I’ve missed in my child’s life. This talk helped me listen not just with my ears, but with my heart.”

As the event closed in Brgy. San Antonio, the heartfelt conversations and meaningful connections created a lasting impact — a reminder that even a single day of understanding can lay the foundation for a lifetime of stronger, more loving relationships.