Empowering Youth: Agay NHS and Partners Conduct Peer Health Navigators Training

RTR, Agusan del Norte – In a significant step toward promoting mental health awareness, Agay National High School (NHS), in collaboration with the Provincial Population Office and the RTR Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), successfully conducted a Peer Health Navigators Training on July 11, 2025, at the Senior Citizen Building in Poblacion 1.

The event gathered 80 students—50 from Agay NHS and 30 from Balang-Balang NHS—equipping them with essential skills to become peer mentors in mental health advocacy.

Understanding Mental Health in the Digital Age

Dr. Angela Rose T. Real, a respected expert, opened the session with an insightful discussion on social media's impact on youth mental health. She highlighted how constant comparison and online pressure contribute to stress and anxiety but reassured students that self-awareness and strong values can build resilience.

"Your mental health is just as important as your physical health," Dr. Real emphasized. "Learning to navigate challenges now will help you thrive in the future."

Practical Tools for Mental Health Advocacy

Mrs. Arlys Demata, a registered nurse and Adolescent Health advocate, introduced valuable resources for mental health support:

• The "I CHOOSE" Facebook page (facebook.com/malayaako.ph), which provides inspiring content and mental health tips
• The Malaya Ako website (https://malayaako.ph/), a comprehensive resource for mental health information
• The OKY App, open-source period tracker and educational resource designed for girls and young women. It aims to provide evidence-based information about menstruation, puberty, and reproductive health in a user-friendly and girl-friendly way. The app includes features like a period tracker, daily diary, quizzes, and an encyclopedia with information on various sexual and reproductive health topics. It also provides information on nearby health facilities and organizations. 

"These platforms are here to help you and your peers," Mrs. Demata explained. "Whether you need information or someone to talk to, support is just a click away."

Hands-on Training for Peer Support

The training included practical sessions to prepare students for real-life situations:

• Mr. Jayson Patalinghug led a hands-on session on Psychosocial First Aid (PFA), demonstrating how to listen actively, offer comfort, and guide friends toward professional help when needed.

"Being a Peer Health Navigator isn't about having all the answers," Mr. Patalinghug explained. "It's about knowing how to respond with care and connect others to resources."

A Commitment to Youth Well-Being

The event concluded with an inspiring message from Mr. Tristan Amante, Provincial Population Officer, who reaffirmed the government's support for youth-led initiatives like the YOLO (You Only Live Once) Program.

"Young people are not just leaders of tomorrow—you are changemakers today," he said. "Your role in promoting mental health can create a ripple effect in our communities."

The Way Forward

With their new knowledge and skills, the trained Peer Health Navigators are now prepared to:

• Promote mental health awareness in their schools
• Support peers in times of distress
• Utilize digital resources like the OKY App and Malaya Ako website
• Advocate for a stigma-free environment

This training marks the beginning of a larger movement toward healthier, more supportive schools in Agusan del Norte.