Strengthening Population and Development Initiatives: A Recap of the 1st Quarter POPDEV Meeting

Butuan City, March 28, 2025– The 1st Quarter Meeting on Population and Development (POPDEV) Program Implementation was held on March 28, 2025, at the PASSO Conference Room, Capitol Compound, Butuan City. Attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Jayson Patalinghug, the meeting focused on assessing accomplishments, strategizing for future initiatives, and ensuring the effective localization of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD POA) 2023-2028.  

Key Discussions and Accomplishments

The meeting opened with a review of the POPDEV Accomplishment Report, highlighting the progress made in implementing population management and family planning programs across the region. Updates on the localization of the PPD POA 2023-2028 were also presented, emphasizing the need for synchronized efforts among local government units (LGUs) to align their programs with national objectives.  

One critical agenda item was the status of family planning commodities per LGU. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of these commodities remains a priority, with discussions centering on addressing supply gaps and improving distribution mechanisms.  

Upcoming Demand Generation Activities

To bolster community engagement, the body discussed the scheduling of demand generation activities aimed at increasing awareness and participation in family planning and adolescent health programs. These activities are designed to empower communities with accurate information and encourage proactive health-seeking behaviors.  

Partnerships and Funding Commitments

A significant highlight of the meeting was the commitment of Mr. Tristan Amante to fund two major activities in the Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR):  

1. Parent-Teen Talk (May 2025) – A forum designed to foster open communication between parents and adolescents on reproductive health, responsible parenthood, and adolescent development.  

2. Peer Health Navigators Training (July 2025) – A capacity-building initiative for students of Agay National High School and Balang-Balang National High School, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to guide their peers on health and wellness issues.  

These programs underscore the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing POPDEV goals, particularly in promoting informed decision-making among youth and families.  

Moving Forward  

As the meeting concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening POPDEV initiatives through sustained partnerships, timely reporting, and proactive community engagement. With the support of local leaders like Mr. Amante and the dedication of implementers like Mr. Patalinghug, the region is poised to make significant strides in population management and sustainable development.  

The next steps include close monitoring of the scheduled activities, continuous commodity tracking, and further collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the POPDEV agenda.  

For updates on upcoming POPDEV activities, follow the official social media pages of the Provincial Population Office and your local government units.  

Empowering Future Voters: Agay NHS Leaders Champion Democracy at 2025 Education Seminar

The young leaders of Agay National High School, led by their President Rico Cawaing and accompanied by their adviser Elven Pojas and SK Chairman Vincent Amante, actively participated in the Voter’s Education Seminar 2025 held at VCDU Prince Hotel, Butuan City. The event, themed “Boto mo, Bilang ko: Gabay sa Unang Pagboto ng Kabataan sa Halalan 2025,” aimed to equip first-time voters with the necessary knowledge and awareness to exercise their rights responsibly in the upcoming elections.

Organized in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of Agusan del Norte, the seminar gathered student leaders, youth representatives, and stakeholders to discuss the importance of voter education and civic engagement.

Keynote Speakers Empower the Youth

The seminar featured Atty. April Joy Balano, Provincial Election Officer of Agusan del Norte, who provided an in-depth discussion on voter rights, the voting process, and the significance of active participation in democratic governance. Meanwhile, Ellen Vee Chua, Provincial Director of DILG Agusan del Norte, highlighted the role of responsible citizens in nation-building and the importance of making informed choices during elections.

One of the highlights of the event was the inspiring message delivered by Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, who emphasized the power of the youth in shaping the future of the nation. She encouraged first-time voters to take their responsibility seriously, stressing that every vote is a step towards a better and progressive society.

A Step Toward an Empowered Electorate

For the young leaders of Agay NHS, attending the seminar was an eye-opening experience. President Rico Cawaing expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the electoral process firsthand. “This seminar has given us the confidence to make informed decisions in the upcoming elections. As young leaders, we must set an example for our peers,” he stated.

Adviser Elven Pojas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of voter education in fostering a generation of responsible citizens. “Empowering our students with knowledge about voting ensures that they make decisions based on values and principles rather than external influences,” Pojas remarked.

Meanwhile, SK Chairman Vincent Amante reiterated the role of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in advocating for youth participation in governance. He encouraged fellow young leaders to take an active role in their communities and promote voter awareness among their peers.

Looking Ahead to Halalan 2025

As the 2025 elections approach, initiatives like the Voter’s Education Seminar play a crucial role in preparing young voters for their first electoral experience. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and insights, the seminar instills a sense of responsibility and civic duty among the youth, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the democratic process.

With the engagement of proactive young leaders like those from Agay NHS, the future of Philippine democracy looks promising. Their participation in the Voter’s Education Seminar 2025 marks the beginning of an empowered and informed generation ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Empowering Youth: Advocating for Peer Health Navigation at Leadership Summit 2025

RTR, Agusan del Norte — Jayson Patalinghug, the dynamic YOLO Coordinator of Agay National High School (Agay NHS), took center stage at the Youth Leadership Summit 2025, where he shared his expertise on *Peer Health Navigation*—a transformative approach to empowering young people as advocates for healthier communities. Organized by the 29th Infantry Battalion, RTR-LGU, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), the summit brought together youth leaders from seven barangays of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) to address pressing social issues, including drug abuse prevention, mental and reproductive health, and counter-terrorism awareness.  

Peer Navigators: Catalysts for Change

Patalinghug’s session, titled *“Peer Navigators as Influencers: Helping Teens and Young Adults Lead Healthier Lives Together,”* highlighted the critical role of youth in bridging gaps in health education and access. “When peers guide peers, trust is built naturally,” he explained. “Young people are more likely to listen to someone their own age, especially when discussing sensitive topics like mental health or reproductive rights.” His interactive presentation emphasized practical strategies for peer navigators, such as active listening, non-judgmental support, and leveraging social media to disseminate accurate health information.  

A Summit of Solutions

The Youth Leadership Summit 2025 served as a platform for holistic discussions, with experts and community leaders tackling urgent challenges:  

Anti-Drug and Terrorism Campaigns: Sessions reinforced the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of youth vigilance against violent extremism.  

Mental Health Awareness: Workshops equipped participants with tools to recognize signs of distress and promote emotional well-being.  

Reproductive Health Education: Open dialogues debunked myths and encouraged responsible decision-making.  

Patalinghug’s insights resonated deeply, aligning with the summit’s goal of fostering proactive, informed youth leaders. “Health navigation isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about creating a culture of care,” he remarked.  

A Legacy of Youth Empowerment

As the YOLO (Youth for Life and Opportunities) Coordinator of Agay NHS, Patalinghug has long championed student-led initiatives, from mental health peer counseling to anti-drug advocacy. His participation in the summit underscored the power of collaboration between schools, local government, and the military in shaping resilient communities.  

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from attendees to serve as peer influencers in their barangays. For Patalinghug, the message was clear: “When we empower one young person, we ignite a ripple effect. Together, we’re not just navigating health—we’re navigating change.”  

The Youth Leadership Summit 2025 was made possible through the joint efforts of the 29th Infantry Battalion, RTR-LGU, and SK, with support from stakeholders dedicated to youth development and social progress.