High school group in Bogo lauded

SEXUAL, RH ADVOCACY

The Bogo Responsible Adolescents for Health and Deve-lopment (BRAHD) has been recognized by the Commission on Population-Region 7 (Popcom-7) as an “Outstanding AHDP Peer Facilitators’ Network” for its work on peer-led Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) activities and other youth-related initiatives.

The AHDP aims to promote the total well-being of young Filipinos, ages 10 to 24, through their sexual and reproductive health.

The award was given during the 2017 Philippine Population Management Program Recognition and Awards Night. The annual event aims to recognize the accomplishments, efforts, and exemplary initiatives performed by local population officers and workers in the region.

Composed of high school students, BRAHD helps other young people gain a healthy understanding of their sexuality, identify their values, and practice life skills. It was organized in 2014 by the Bogo City Population Office and DepEd Division of City of Bogo.

Through initiatives such as the U4U, Heart-to-heart talk, Youth Day, Youth Caravan and radio infomercials, BRAHD endeavors to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among the youth.

BRAHD president Lourenz Pareja, a Grade 12 student from Bogo Science and Arts Academy, was also recognized as an outstanding AHDP peer facilitator.

At the same awards nights, Bogo City Population officer Susan Minguez received three awards: 1st Place-Most Outstanding Population Officer in Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program, 1st Place-Most Outstanding Population Officer in Adolescent Health and Development Program, and 3rd Place-Most Outstanding Population Officer in Population and Development.

Bogo City is one of the few local government units in Region 7 with a dedicated population office. It is tasked with implementing the Philippine Population Management Program to achieve a happy, well-empowered Filipino family.