‘T.E.E.N.Dig’ Centers have been established in the 31 congressional districts around the region, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), to serve as integrated approach in health services within the educational system, thus reaching a larger number of adolescents and ensuring that they have direct access to the support and care they need. (HEPU DOH-CHD CALABARZON)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) in the CALABARZON (Region 4A) has trained its focus on the general welfare of the youth by promoting various school-based health initiatives to address concerns and improve students’ mental and sexual health.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas episode on July 2, DOH Assistant Secretary and concurrent CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Ariel Valencia shared their commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive environment for students to make sure they are well-equipped for success in academics and their well-being and health through the ‘T.E.E.N.DIG’ Kabataan! Centers program.
“The TEENDIG Kabataan Center is only available in Region 4A. We embarked on this initiative because today’s young people are already enduring several health issues. We have been able to provide general health projects such as reproductive health, mental and emotional health, awareness of ways to avoid illegal drugs, and various infectious diseases,” he said.
‘T.E.E.N.Dig’, which stands for “Trustworthy, Engaging, Encouraging, Nurturing a Place for Adolescents and Dignity,” centers have been established in the 31 congressional districts around the region in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), serving as an integrated approach to health services within the educational system.
“We have inserted the TEENDig centers in the high school and senior high programs so that students need not go to health centers to seek assistance and advice,” Valencia said.
By putting up centers that provide various health services such as general check-ups, healthy living advice, drug prevention, cancer prevention advice, psychological risk assessment and management, and reproductive or sexual health issues, the health department expects to address these proactively to better help and equip the youth on health concerns.
Asec Valencia said: “We have POPCOM, which addresses reproductive health issues. What we did at TENDIG is integrated—not just a program but a safe space for the youth where they can go and consult without being singled out, and our nurses are always available for them.”
He added, “There are many mental health issues, especially during the COVID-19 era. These are the health issues we want to address: substance abuse, reproductive health, and our communicable and non-communicable diseases, especially healthy lifestyles. We are also involved in giving the right information, especially about HIV and AIDS.”
For the DOH Calabarzon, the initiative underscores the importance of employing a holistic approach to adolescent health, recognizing that a supportive and respectful environment is crucial for the well-being and development of young individuals. (AM/PIA-4A)
