On September 17, 2026, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cabadbaran City conducted a benchmarking activity at Agay National High School (NHS) in Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR). The initiative focused on studying the programs, health services, and peer-led strategies of the Agay NHS Teen Center Hub to adapt key learnings for adolescent development programs in Cabadbaran City.
Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The gathering opened with participant registration and arrival coordinated by the Secretariat. An opening prayer led by Clinic In-charge Uldarico Dequilla established a reflective and welcoming tone for the day's exchange. Welcoming the visiting delegation, Agay NHS Master Teacher II Jean A. Julio highlighted the school's commitment to youth welfare and collaborative growth. Adding to the spirit of the event, DILG-CLGOO of Cabadbaran City Annabella O. Cadigal delivered an inspirational message emphasizing the role of inter-agency learning in strengthening community support systems for adolescents.
Exploring the Teen Center Hub Model
Following the introduction of participants by the Secretariat, Sharon Mae B. Villanueva, RN, City Population Officer-Designate from CHO-POPDEV, outlined the purpose and core objectives of the benchmarking visit.
The learning sessions began with Jayson S. Patalinghug, Agay NHS Teen Center Manager and YOLO Coordinator, presenting an overview of the Agay NHS Teen Center Hub, detailing its key programs, services, and best practices. Participants then joined a guided walk-through and observational tour of the Teen Center Hub facility conducted by Agay NHS representatives. A key highlight of the morning program was an interactive session where Agay NHS Peer Health Navigators shared their personal experiences and peer-led facilitation best practices.
Turning Insights into Local Action
Following a lunch break, the afternoon session resumed with an Open Forum and Learning Exchange involving all participants. Agay NHS and session facilitators subsequently led an interactive session on effective teen facilitation strategies.
Putting theoretical insights into practical plans, City Teen Facilitators engaged in a hands-on workshop titled “What Can We Adapt in Cabadbaran City?”. The facilitators worked together to outline adaptable strategies and later presented their workshop outputs to the group.
The program concluded with a synthesis, actionable next steps, and closing remarks delivered by CHO–POPDEV, setting a clear trajectory for future youth-centered initiatives in Cabadbaran City.
