The City Government of Isabela, under the administration of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, conducted a two-day Orientation-Workshop on the Establishment of an Information and Service Delivery Network for Adolescent Health and Development, March 12-13.
The workshop aimed to strengthen the implementation and advocacy of Adolescent Reproductive Health at the community level while ensuring the effective operation of activities within the Teen Center. The City Leadership Team (CLT-ZFF) spearheaded the initiative, with the City Population Management and Development Office leading the efforts in partnership with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF).
The program also focused on enhancing accessibility and availability of sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents, alongside integrating essential social services through the establishment of ISDN-A. It emphasized the importance of youth development, active participation in community initiatives, and the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches to improve adolescent health services.
The first day of the event featured a series of sessions facilitated by representatives from the Commission on Population and Development IX. Topics discussed included the Advanced Adolescent Health and Development Program, an overview of the AHD situation in Zamboanga Peninsula and Isabela City, and the establishment of an Information Service and Delivery Network as a referral network for Teen Centers. Another key discussion focused on the Teen Center as an ISDN Convergence Facility or Service.
An open forum was held to address the need for ISDN-A, allowing participants to engage in discussions and share insights on improving adolescent health programs.
The workshop gathered representatives from various offices and organizations, including the City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Health Office, DepEd SDO (Teen Center focal persons), Local Youth Development Office, Local Economic and Development and Investment Promotions Office, Public Employment Service Office, Sangguniang Kabataan, and IDP-Solidaridad. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
