Antique, Philippines – The Antique Provincial Council on Child Protection (PCPC) is pushing for an intensified campaign to raise awareness on adolescent issues, with a focus on health and social challenges facing the youth in the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, Carl Angelou Fuetes, president of the Antique Children's Federation and child representative to the PCPC, expressed his commitment to conducting more symposia in schools and communities across Antique. Following his election during the Antique Children's Federation Summit, Fuetes emphasized the urgency of educating young people about adolescent health and other pertinent issues. He believes that widespread dissemination of relevant programs and services can play a crucial role in addressing concerns such as teenage pregnancy.
The Antique Provincial Population Office reported a significant number of teenage pregnancies, with 574 cases recorded in the first half of 2023 alone. Fuetes also plans to support the mobile library project of the Antique provincial library to foster a reading culture among children.
Antique provincial board member Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao, chair of the Committee on Health, Sanitation, and Social Services, highlighted the influential role of youth leaders in their communities. She pointed out that these young leaders could provide valuable support to their peers, particularly in addressing issues like suicide and bullying, especially when parental guidance is limited.