Seven (7) barangays in Iriga City were awarded Certificates of Compliance as Level 1 Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities. As part of the implementation of the Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP), in partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation’s The Challenge Initiative, one of the high-impact interventions is to have an Adolescent-Friendly Health Facility at the barangay level.
The seven barangays are Sta. Cruz Sur, San Francisco, San Vicente Sur, San Jose, San Nicolas, San Juan, and La Medalla.
The assessing team included Joy Banares-Oropesa (City Technical Lead, ZFF), Richard T. Serrano (USAID ReachHealth), Kathleen Azuela (AHDP Coordinator, PHO), Malyn Saludes (FP Coordinator, PHO), Marietta Nacario (PPO IV), Ma. Aileth T. de los Santos (AHDP Coordinator, CHO), Cyrene Oliva (FP Coordinator, CHO), Belen C. Bernales (Local Council of Women), Josephine Serdeño (GAD Focal Person, CSWDO), and Angel A. Malapo Jr. (PIO Staff).
The goal of AHDP is to guarantee that all adolescents and youth have access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare and services in a welcoming and supportive environment. We aspire to cultivate a generation of well-informed, empowered, responsible, and healthy adolescents and youth.
The program strategies to be implemented include health promotion and behavior change for adolescents to utilize health services, practice healthy behaviors, and avoid risks. Another strategy is improving access to quality and adolescent-friendly health care services and information. Enhancing the skills of service providers, families, and adolescents to protect their health and development is also a priority. Additionally, the program focuses on strengthening partnerships among adolescent groups, government agencies, civil society, the private sector, families, and communities.
(Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga)