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.