The Iloilo Provincial Government, PHAPCares Foundation, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines, Inc., Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) Iloilo, and the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) have inked today the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for “Healthy Youth, Healthy Future” project aimed at improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Iloilo Province.
The project aims to reach 30,000 adolescents and create Youth Adolescent Centers to tackle pressing health issues such as teenage pregnancy, HIV-AIDS, mental health, and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. emphasized the importance of integrating the project into existing Teen and Youth Development Centers across municipalities.
He also expressed optimism about the collaboration as the initiative is “very timely and complementary”.
Piloting in towns of Carles, Pototan, and Mina, the initiative will focus on providing free lectures and health services through local primary care facilities, barangay health stations, and schools.
AstraZeneca Country President Lotis Ramin, who spearheaded the company’s involvement, emphasized the global significance of the project.
“Improving the health and well-being of the youth will deliver a triple dividend. Not only will it benefit adolescents, but all those around them,” said Ramin.
The project is also poised to equip 210 Local Health Youth Champions (Peer Educators) across 105 barangays and foster long-term health advocacy within the province, with a vision to replicate the program in 39 other municipalities.
Mina Mayor Lydia E. Grabato highlighted the critical role of accurate data in the success of the project.
“Reliable database in every LGU will make this program work better for us,” she said.
Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon, Iloilo Provincial Health Office Chief, expressed gratitude to the partners involved.
“Your presence here today speaks volumes about your dedication and support to this project. Hopefully soon, we can expand to the rest of the province,” she said.
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