22/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ-๐๐๐ข๐ง๐
A seminar entitled: "Empowered Teens: Safe, Informed, Mentally Strong, and Gender Responsive" was held at Tagumpay National High School to educate students on HIV and STIs, drug abuse, mental health, proper nutrition, and cyberbullying, Aug. 22.
The seminar opened with a discussion on HIV and STIs, focusing on their transmission, prevention, treatment, and the stigma faced by people living with HIV.
Speaker Katrina Santos explained that HIV gradually attacks normal cells in the body, weakening the immune system as the virus multiplies.
Students were reminded that HIV does not immediately develop into AIDS and that early detection and treatment can help prevent its progression.
โAng una mong makukuha, hindi kaagad magka-AIDS, HIV muna,โ Santos clarified.
Beyond understanding the health effects of HIV, students were also reminded of the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of those living with the virus.
โHindi niyo po pwedeng ipagkalat ang status ng isang HIV client without the consent of the patient,โ the speaker said, emphasizing the need to combat stigma and discrimination.
From preventing the spread of infections, the discussion expanded to another concern affecting young people: drug abuse.
Maโam Santos discussed the possible physical and mental health effects of drug use, while also identifying factors such as peer pressure, family problems, and mental health struggles that may influence young people to turn to drugs.
โYour life is a gift,โ she reminded the students, encouraging them to stay away from drugs and seek healthier support systems.
As the discussion centered on factors that can influence young peopleโs choices, the seminar also turned its attention to mental health, particularly the growing concerns surrounding stress, depression, anxiety, and su***de.
โNaiba yung ikot nung stress threshold ng mga bata,โ Santos said, highlighting changes in how young people experience and handle stress.
โMeron na kaming na-interview na 12, 13. As early as 13 stress na sila, as early as 12 stress na sila,โ she added.
The discussion also emphasized how mental well-being can influence the choices young people make in their daily lives.
โKasi kapag maganda ang pag-iisip natin, maganda ang decision making nyo, kasi hindi mag-a-alter yung decision making nyo sa mga bagay-bagay,โ Santos explained.
Students were also encouraged to support friends who may be at risk of su***de or experiencing serious emotional difficulties.
โAng gusto po ng may depression is a good listener, hindi po yung nanlalait,โ she emphasized.
With mental health and physical health closely connected, the seminar next highlighted another essential part of well-being: proper nutrition.
Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Maureen Montalban introduced Pinggang Pinoy as a guide for maintaining a balanced and varied diet.
โRemember, we are what we eat,โ Montalban said, emphasizing the importance of making healthy food choices.
The seminar later brought the discussion into the studentsโ everyday digital environment, focusing on another issue that can affect their well-being: cyberbullying.
The discussion explained that cyberbullying can occur through social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms, and mobile phones.
Speaker Clark Christian Cruz cited the Philippine National Baseline Survey on Violence Against Children 2016, which reported that one in two Filipino teenagers aged 13 to 17 experienced cyber violence.
Students were urged to be more mindful of their online activities and the content they consume, particularly on social media.
โBe aware sa pinapanood niyo sa TikTok,โ Cruz warned.
By addressing physical health, mental well-being, personal choices, nutrition, and online safety, the seminar encouraged students to become more informed and responsible in protecting their overall health and well-being.
โ๏ธ: Cassandra Louise Aquino, Alexa Dela Cruz, Jann Markiel Balbis
๐ท: Cassandra Louise Aquino
๐ป: Brianna Riz Bautista
