The City Government of Isabela under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Population Management and Development Office led by CPMDO Jesielyn Puno, officially launched the School-Based Teen Center in Isabela City, July 1, at Malamawi National High School (MNHS), marking another milestone in strengthening adolescent health and youth development in the city.
The initiative aims to provide adolescents with safe and youth-friendly spaces where they can freely access accurate information, counseling, guidance, and support on adolescent health, responsible decision-making, life skills, and personal development.
The launching ceremony was led by Commission on Population and Development IX Regional Director EnP Leticia Dolores II Abao, together with POPDEV Localization Coordinator Maryrose Yu, who visited Isabela City to formally inaugurate the School-Based Teen Center.
Also present during the activity were Isabela City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Laarni Villanueva, MNHS Principal Jemhar Asgari Paredes and other school community leaders, barangay officials, partner agencies, and other stakeholders who reaffirmed their commitment to advancing adolescent health and development in the city.
The establishment of the School-Based Teen Center is the result of the collaborative efforts of the Commission on Population and Development IX, the DepEd Schools Division Office – Isabela City, the City Population Management and Development Office, the City Health Office, Malamawi National High School, barangay officials, and partner stakeholders, all working together to ensure that young Isabeleños have access to reliable information, guidance, and services that will help them make informed decisions for their future.
The School-Based Teen Center provides a variety of free youth-friendly services that promote the holistic growth and well-being of adolescents, including:
Learning Support
• Study and peer tutoring
• Reading corner
• Life skills sessions
Health Information
• Adolescent health education
• Responsible parenthood and reproductive health information
• Mental health and wellness sessions
• Nutrition and healthy lifestyle education
Guidance and Support
• Peer support
• Guidance counseling referral
• Referral to health and other support services when needed
Youth Development
• Leadership and values formation
• Skills development activities
• Sports, arts, and recreational activities
• Volunteer and community engagement
These services are available free of charge from Monday to Friday, providing young Isabeleños with a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and develop into healthy, responsible, and empowered members of the community.
Through the leadership of Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, the City Government remains steadfast in advancing programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and holistic development of every young Isabeleño. Through School-Based Teen Centers, adolescents are provided with a safe and supportive space where they can access adolescent-friendly health information and services, counseling, peer education, life skills development, and referrals on adolescent sexual and reproductive health concerns. These initiatives empower young people with the knowledge, values, and opportunities they need to make informed decisions and grow into responsible, resilient, and productive leaders of the future. (Words by KJ Lim/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV)
