“Investing in adolescent health is key to unlocking lifelong health, productivity, and prosperity.”
– Stefan Peterson, Chief of Health, UNICEF

With all the changes happening in their physical and mental health, teenagers need to be more aware of their bodies as they grow into adults. If overlooked, these adolescent changes can be overwhelming and confusing. Educating them about the changes they are about to go through, like hormonal shifts, growth spurts, and new progress in their sexual characteristics, will help them realize that it is normal and not shameful.

Knowing the importance of this, HAPI-Bulacan hosted “Teen Talk,” a seminar dedicated to teaching adolescents about the changes they experience as they transition into adulthood. The seminar took place at HAPI’s Headquarters in Malolos, Bulacan last March 8 with an audience of enthusiastic teens. 

Midwife Leonor Carpio of Pinagbakahan Health Center guided the teens through important topics on puberty, sexual maturation, and physical development, which were the main highlights of the seminar.

In the next part, Nurse Josephine Santiago from the Department of Health Regional Office 3 further discussed the reproductive system and responsible decision-making. Additionally, they emphasized how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS awareness are essential in this day and age as the cases for these infections continue to rise in the country.

One of the attendees expressed their joy and learnings from the seminar saying that it is important to seek guidance from their parents when it comes to decisions regarding their overall health. “I also learned about the various changes we are about to face as we grow. It is very eye-opening,” they said.

HAPI-Bulacan extends its utmost appreciation to Barangay Chairman Lorenzo Versoza for supporting this important advocacy and to Pinagbakahan Health Center for their collaboration and cooperation in making this event possible.

“With the growing numbers of teenage pregnancies and children/young adults with HIV in the Philippines, HAPI-Bulacan believes that the best solution to overcome this is to educate them at a young age,” Mutya Valenzuela, HAPI CFO, emphasized when asked how this event came into fruition.

The knowledge that they acquired from this activity will foster body positivity and will empower them to traverse the transition of adulthood in their journey. It will also help them make informed decisions about their hygiene and self-care. 

As adolescence is a time of curiosity and increased interest in relationships, giving teens more information on how their body and behavior might change is critical. They can use this knowledge to have a better understanding of boundaries and safely navigate their way through society.