By Recthie T. Paculba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — To inspire young people to embrace patriotism and address pressing social issues, such as adolescent pregnancy, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 hosted a youth forum in Barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro, on August 29.
Regional Director Franklin Gumapon of PIA-10 emphasized the importance of government campaigns like “Bagong Pilipinas,” which aims to strengthen national identity and rebuild trust in government leadership.
Photo caption: PIA-10 Regional Director Franklin Gumapon emphasized the importance of initiatives like ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ emphasizing the need to strengthen national identity and trust in government leadership. He stressed the need for cooperation and collaboration among all Filipinos, emphasizing that progress will happen with others rather than against them. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10)
“Bagong Pilipinas is regaining pride in being Filipino. Usahay frustrated na ta sa unsa ang lakat sa atong society, but we should strengthen ang atong pagka-Pilipino so we have to regain our pride. Don’t be ashamed of the Filipino race,” Gumapon said.
(“Bagong Pilipinas” is about regaining pride in being Filipino. Sometimes, we feel frustrated with the state of our society, but we should strengthen our sense of being Filipino and reclaim our pride. Do not be ashamed of being part of the Filipino race.)
The event brought together various government agencies, including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-10, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD)-10, and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), to discuss their initiatives and engage the youth in meaningful dialogue. The regional director highlighted the need for unity and cooperation among Filipinos, stressing that progress is only achievable through collective efforts.
A key topic during the forum was the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies. Kasherette Amandac, CPD-10’s information officer, shared data showing a 7 percent increase in pregnancies among adolescents aged 10-19, with a particularly concerning 30 percent surge among those aged 10-14 from 2017 to 2022.
She urged the youth to engage in responsible relationships and underscored the role of government and communities in providing support and education.
“Naa’y commitment to one another, including commitment sa inyohang own growth and development. Katong deeper kind of commitment na maka-benefit sa atong mga batan-on. Dapat ma-realize sa atong mga batan-on nga naa’y lain nga mga pamaagi kung unsaon nila nga ma-express nila ang ilang love,” Amandac said.
(There is a commitment to one another, including a commitment to your own growth and development. This deeper kind of commitment can benefit our youth. Our young people should realize that there are other ways for them to express their love.)
Meanwhile, Jay Castel, an analyst from NICA-10, encouraged the youth to promote a sense of patriotism and involvement in national development. She also underscored the importance of understanding fundamental rights and freedoms, as outlined in the Philippine Constitution.
“The state recognizes the vital role of youth in nation-building. It will promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. Gina-encourage pud mo mga youth nga mu-involve mo in public and civic affairs,” Castel said.
(The youth are also encouraged to get involved in public and civic affairs.)
Michelle Acenas, one of the participants, said the forum was very empowering, and she learned about the current terrorism situation as well as the alarming increase in the number of adolescent pregnancies after hearing the government’s concerns.
“This provides us with a new platform to advocate for the dissemination of important information, aimed at halting the further spread of these issues. By understanding these challenges, youth can become advocates for change and contribute to building a more informed and responsible society,” she said.
Gumapon stressed that the forum aimed to foster a renewed sense of pride in being Filipino while also addressing critical social issues, highlighting the vital role of the youth in shaping the country’s future. (RTP/PIA-10)
