The Commission on Population Development-Ilocos Region (CPD-1) called for a stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners and youth organizations to address issues affecting adolescents and young people.

Among the issues are reproductive health, mental well-being, responsible decision-making, gender equality and employment readiness.

By investing in the youth which comprises about 18.7 percent of the more than 5.3 million population in the Ilocos Region, CPD-1 Information Officer Mae Grace Ariola said during the Kapihan sa Ilocos on Friday that this will empower the youth to become responsible adults in the future.

While adolescent pregnancy among girls aged 15 to 19 continues to decline, Ariola said cases involving younger adolescents aged 10 to 14 remain a growing concern in the region.

“The issues of adolescents are complex. This can not be solved by the CPD alone. That is why it is important that we collaborate with local government units and those at the grassroots levels for pooling of resources address these challenges affecting the youth,” she said.

Guided by the government’s multi-sectoral strategies under Executive Order 141, which include strengthening reproductive health education, expanding access to adolescent-friendly health services through teen centers, protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation, providing socio-economic support for young parents, and promoting meaningful youth participation in development initiatives, Ariola said these could make a difference in the lives of the youth on their formation stage.

Meanwhile, she noted that responsible parenthood goes beyond providing material needs, stressing that parents play a crucial role in guiding, communicating with, and supporting their children as they navigate adolescence and make informed life decisions.

Janet Lucia London, population program officer for the Gender and Development Office of the provincial government, said there are at least 15 teen centers in the province and other local government units are strongly urged to have one.

The center serves as a hub for youth empowerment by offering programs that encourage personal growth, leadership and informed decision-making.

London said the establishment of teen centers creaties an environment where they can freely seek guidance on education, health, career planning and other issues affecting their lives.

She underscored that empowering adolescents with accurate information and practical skills is essential for building healthier and more resilient communities.

The center is also a resource of information, aid, skills building or simply a place for recreation or amusement.

In some cases, it provides services such as counseling, medical and dental health, and even reproductive health services. (PNA)