Inspiring Change: Jayson Patalinghug Highlights Agay NHS’s Best Practices in Strengthening Teen Centers

Butuan City – On September 23–24, 2025, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) CARAGA held the Seminar-Workshop on Optimizing the Impact of Teen Centers: Strengthening Operations and Management at the Watergate Boutique Hotel, Butuan City. The event gathered youth advocates and program implementers to share insights and enhance adolescent health initiatives.

A key highlight was Jayson Patalinghug, YOLO-Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) Coordinator at Agay National High School, who presented the school’s exemplary practices in implementing the YOLO program. He focused on the school’s referral system, which promptly connects students facing health and psychosocial issues to appropriate services and professionals.

Patalinghug also showcased the use of the HEEADSS assessment tool to identify students’ risk behaviors across areas such as home, education, activities, and safety. This tool enables timely interventions and tailored support for learners.

Another cornerstone of Agay NHS’s program is the involvement of Peer Health Navigators—trained student leaders who act as role models, advocates, and first responders to their peers’ concerns. Patalinghug stressed that peer support is crucial in fostering a safe, youth-friendly environment where adolescents feel valued and supported.

His presentation motivated participants from various provinces and municipalities to adopt Agay NHS’s strategies in school-based and community-based teen centers, recognizing the program as a model for effective adolescent health advocacy.

Patalinghug concluded with a powerful message: “Adolescents only live once. It is our responsibility to guide them toward a healthier, safer, and more meaningful journey.”

With dedicated advocates like him, the movement to empower youth through reinforced teen centers is steadily expanding across CARAGA and beyond.

Agay NHS SSLG Officers Join Forces in Launching ARAL Program

With hearts full of purpose and a vision for better learning, the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) officers of Agay National High School took part in the launching of the ARAL (Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning) Program held last September 10, 2025, from 7:30 to 9:00 AM at the school grounds.

The program, spearheaded by Hannah Faith Facura and Dannilyn Gaudia, came to life through the strong partnership of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), School Governing Council (SGC), alumni, SSLG, and different school cl
ubs, proving that the school community is at its best when united for a cause.

Anchored on ARAL is Project LIGHT (Literacy Intervention and Growth through Holistic Teaching)—a reading initiative tailored for learners who face challenges in literacy. It is not just another program; it is a mission to empower struggling readers by enhancing their alphabetic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, decoding, and comprehension. With targeted interventions and creative strategies, Project LIGHT aims to transform frustration into confidence, one word at a time.

To seal their dedication, all participating partners signed their names on the Commitment Wall, symbolizing their pledge to support every learner in their academic recovery journey. The wall now stands as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility shared by teachers, parents, student leaders, and alumni.

The presence of the SSLG officers during the launch symbolized the voice of the student body in advocating for accessible education. Their involvement underscored the idea that student leaders are not just representatives but also catalysts of change, ready to stand alongside the community in building a learning environment where no one is left behind.

As the event concluded, hope filled the air. The launch of ARAL and Project LIGHT marked not just the start of a program but the beginning of a shared journey toward a brighter, more literate, and empowered Agay NHS community.

A Splash of Science, A Dash of Unity: Agay NHS Launches Science & Math Month with “Color Me Run”

Agay National High School burst into a whirlwind of color, energy, and excitement as the Science Department, in partnership with the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG), successfully staged the much-awaited “Color Me Run” on September 3, 2025, from 6:00 am to 7:00 am.

The vibrant activity marked the official opening of the Science and Math Month 2025, anchored on the theme “SPATIALYZE: Surveying Societies, Sensing Solutions.” Under the leadership of Mrs. Mary Rose Bisoy, Science Coordinator, and Rico Cawaing Jr., SSLG President, the event gathered students from Grade 7 to Grade 12, along with their Science teachers, in a spirited celebration of learning, health, and camaraderie.

What made the event even more dynamic was the collaboration of various organizations and partners. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of Remedios Trinidad Romualdez added a refreshing splash by showering runners with cooling sprays. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), Red Cross Youth, BKD, YES-O, ESWM, YA, and the Research Team also joined hands in facilitating and ensuring the smooth flow of the event.

As the runners dashed across the school grounds, clouds of vibrant powder painted the air, symbolizing joy, creativity, and the boundless energy of youth. Laughter echoed, friendships were strengthened, and unity was vividly expressed in every splash of color.

The Color Me Run was not just about fun—it reflected the essence of the Science and Math Month celebration: discovering solutions, building connections, and embracing the beauty of collaboration. It showcased how the Agay NHS community continues to foster a culture of innovation and teamwork while making learning both meaningful and memorable.

With bright smiles, glowing faces, and colorful shirts, participants walked away not just with stained clothes but with unforgettable memories. Truly, the event set the tone for an exciting month of discovery, exploration, and celebration of science and mathematics.