To ensure a responsible Generation Y:  PPO trains teen center peer helpers

In this age of permissiveness, where the new generation is bombarded with risky sexual and non-sexual behaviours, one has to stand out and lead the way to change. That is why, the Iloilo Provincial Population Office on its mission of improving the quality of life of every Ilonggo, spearheaded the conduct of the Training of Peer Helpers for Mutli-Purpose (Teen) Center Peer Helpers on October 24-28, 2011 at Garilva Recreation Center, Concepcion, Iloilo.

The said training is in connection with the establishment of pilot teen centers in the province of Iloilo. Furthermore, this activity is one of the major programs implemented by the PPO which is the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (AHYDP). There were 25 participants coming from the five target municipalities which are Oton, Pavia, Lambunao, Dingle and San Dionisio. These five high school students from each municipalities passed the screening process conducted by the PPO which was done prior to the conduct of the training.

Angelita Tanongtanong, regional AHYDP coordinator, POPCOM VI served as lead facilitator together with Arby Mendoza, Janel Tejida, Ma. Mininia Naranja and Roilo Vincent G. Laguna, focal persons of the said program. Various methods were used to guarantee the effectiveness of the training such as structured learning exercises, lectures, group discussions and dynamics, games and practicum on peer helping sessions.

“The training is for the participants to be prepared as peer helpers in their respective teen centers. This is not purely lecture but in-depth exercise on helping them to understand and help themselves first before reaching to their fellow youth,” Laguna explains.

Some of the topics discussed during the training were Analysis of the Society, Self- Awareness, Value Clarification, Active Communication, Feed backing, Understanding the Adolescent, Issues and Concerns of the Youth, Practical Life Skills, Responsible Sexuality, Gender Appreciation, Fertility Awareness and Peer Helping. These topics were thoroughly discussed for the participants to be properly equipped as effective peer helpers.

Under the able leadership of Ramon C. Yee, provincial population officer and the division chiefs: Renarda Gaviola, training and research officer 111, Pureza Guzman, PPO IV, Susan Tengco, AO V, Evelina Espina, PPO II and the PPO technical and field personnel, the Peer Helping Training is believed to meet its goal to develop life-long skills for the peer helpers.

Euvian Chloe Jualan, one of the participants from Pavia NHS said, “The training was so amazing that it dramatically changed not only my life but also my fellow participants. I can say now that I am already prepared of becoming a peer helper and help my fellow youth change for the better.” #RVGL