19/08/2026
๐๐ฟ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฉ-๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐ช๐ก๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฟ๐๐ซ๐๐ก๐ค๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ
Selected third-year Bachelor of Science in Social Work students from Notre Dame of Marbel University, together with the Social Work Department Head, Ms. Quennie Marie S. Zuyco, attended the first-ever Regional Conference on Population and Development (RCPD) on July 21, 2026, at the Antonina Hurtado Multipurpose Hall, 3rd Floor, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region XII, City of Koronadal.
The conference, organized by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region XII, carried the theme, โRealizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People through Population and Development: Building Evidence, Strengthening Partnerships, Transforming Futures.โ
The gathering brought together representatives from government agencies, local government units, the academe, civil society organizations, development partners, and young people to examine pressing population and development concerns and explore ways to strengthen programs and policies for the youth.
Among the key concerns highlighted during the conference was adolescent pregnancy as a population and development issue, emphasizing the need for coordinated interventions that promote the health, protection, education, and overall well-being of young people. The conference also featured research findings and local initiatives addressing adolescent pregnancy, social protection, child rights, and youth empowerment.
For NDMU Social Work students, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with current population and development realities in the region. It allowed them to gain deeper insights into the importance of evidence-informed practice, inter-agency collaboration, social protection, youth empowerment, and responsive interventions in addressing complex social issues.
The participation of NDMU administrators, faculty members, and students in the event also reflected the University's commitment to meaningful engagement with government and community partners in advancing initiatives that contribute to the development and well-being of young people.
The conference served as a meaningful learning experience for future social workers, reinforcing the importance of turning knowledge and evidence into responsive action and strengthening partnerships toward more inclusive and youth-responsive communities.
