06/06/2026
๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ 2026 ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ค๐ฌ๐๐ง๐จ ๐ฟ๐ช๐ข๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐ช๐๐ ๐๐๐/๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐ก๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ช๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Dumadalig successfully conducted SafeYouth 2026: Learn, Prevent, Live Strong โ Symposium on HIV/AIDS Awareness, Prevention, and Mental Health Education on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Senior Citizen Building, Barangay Hall Compound, Dumadalig, Tantangan, South Cotabato.
The symposium aimed to equip the youth with essential knowledge on mental health, HIV/AIDS awareness, and preventive measures, promoting healthier, more informed, and empowered communities.
The first resource speaker, Christian G. Tongkong, RM, delivered an informative discussion on Mental Health Education, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being, self-awareness, and mental health care among young people. To further enhance the learning experience, he also facilitated a Psychological Assessment Test, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of their mental and emotional state.
The second resource speaker, Darwin B. Dar, RN, conducted a comprehensive lecture on HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention. His discussion focused on the causes, modes of transmission, prevention strategies, common misconceptions, and the importance of regular testing and responsible health practices. Participants were encouraged to become advocates of accurate information and help reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
The members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) actively participated throughout the symposium, engaging in discussions, asking questions, and taking part in various learning activities. Their enthusiasm reflected the growing commitment of the youth toward health education and community development.
As part of the activity, the Election of Child Representatives for the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) was also successfully conducted and facilitated by Mrs. Flocerfida Oro, Barangay VAWC Desk Officer. The elected officers were Mizzy O. Villamon as President, Rish Ellyza Carbon as Vice President, Charmaine Joy N. Legaste as Secretary, Regienald A. Ferrer Jr. as Treasurer, and Yshly Zycee Legaste as Auditor. The election aimed to strengthen youth participation in child protection initiatives and ensure that the voices of children are represented in community programs and decision-making processes.
Following the symposium, free HIV testing services were made available to participants. Demonstrating leadership and support for the advocacy, the SK officials themselves underwent HIV testing, encouraging other youth to prioritize their health and helping normalize HIV testing within the community.
Also present during the activity were SB Members, Barangay Kagawad Mercy R. Anggan, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, and Barangay Kagawad Rochelle O. Casquero, Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services, who expressed their support for the initiative and its goals of promoting youth health and well-being.
The Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Dumadalig extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Tantangan, led by Mayor Timee Joy G. Torres-Gonzales, the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Tantangan headed by Dr. Renato Ureta, Municipal Health Officer, and the resource speakers Sir Darwin B. Dar and Sir Christian G. Tongkong, RM, for their invaluable support and contributions to the success of the program. Special thanks are given to Sir Darwin B. Dar, RN, for providing free lunch for all participants through his office, and to Sir Mark, Medical Technologist, for facilitating the HIV testing services. Appreciation is also extended to Mrs. Flocerfida Oro for facilitating the BCPC election, to Maโam Nona Grace L. Costales and Maโam Jonnah Mae C. Candido for their assistance in program implementation and coordination, and to the Barangay Council of Dumadalig for its continuous support and commitment to youth development programs.
Through initiatives such as SafeYouth 2026, the SK of Barangay Dumadalig continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering young people through education, health awareness, child participation, and community engagementโbuilding a generation that is informed, resilient, and prepared to lead healthier lives.
