VALENCIA CITY (PIA) — The Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) project held its Subnational Close-Out event, “Pasidungog 2024,” on September 3, 2024, at the Kekehyu Business Hotel in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
The event, dubbed Pasidungog 2024, marked the culmination of five years of groundbreaking work in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention across Northern Mindanao.
The term “Pasidungog,” meaning “to honor” or “to give recognition” in Visayan, captured the spirit of the gathering, which celebrated the remarkable achievements of local government units (LGUs), schools, civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies at all levels, Indigenous peoples, and community partners.
The SHE project focused on the Adolescent Health and Development Program in Northern Mindanao, addressing the unique SRH needs of adolescents and promoting SRH and GBV prevention.
Led by Oxfam and funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the SHE project aims to improve SRH for women and girls in six underserved and conflict-affected regions of the Philippines.
Jhpiego, a nonprofit organization for international health affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, as a technical partner, played a key role in enhancing the capacity of public and private health sectors to provide comprehensive and gender-responsive SRH services.
“The work to advance SRH and GBV services in our communities has been rigorous, yet it has brought great fulfillment. Today, we recognize the dedication and perseverance of those who have put in unceasing effort to uplift the health and well-being of our people. ‘Pasidungog’ serves as a reminder that every effort counts, and together, we have made a difference,” said Dr. Raima Sucor-Sharief, medical officer of Bukidnon Provincial Health Office.
Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines, said their collaboration with stakeholders and communities in Northern Mindanao has been instrumental in achieving the shared goals.
“We have seen the impact of our collective efforts. We emphasize our ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that prioritize the health and rights of women and girls as we move forward,” she said.
Coleen Dolina-Anugon, Regional Coordinator for Northern Mindanao, said, “The success of the SHE project in Northern Mindanao shows the power of collaboration. Our work with local governments, schools, and communities has built a strong foundation for sustainable change, particularly in advancing the Adolescent Health and Development Program. We will keep championing these causes to ensure SRH and GBV prevention remains a priority.”
The Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) is designed to address the unique sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents. It focuses on providing age-appropriate education and resources, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health, and creating supportive environments that promote their overall well-being. AHDP aims to enhance the capacity of health services to respond effectively to adolescent needs and to foster community support for adolescent health initiatives.
Representatives from the Provincial Health Office of Bukidnon, the Center for Population and Development (CPD) Northern Mindanao, and the Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK), also known as the National Rural Women Coalition, shared statements of support and commitment. Key local government units also reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining and expanding initiatives that brought positive change to the region.
“Our collaboration with SHE has empowered our community to take charge of our health needs. We have seen firsthand the positive changes from prioritizing SRH and GBV prevention,” Arlene Zablan, AHDP coordinator of Sumilao local government, said.
The DepEd Ozamiz City Division committed to continuing the school-based teen centers.
“Maintaining our school-based teen centers is crucial in providing adolescents with ongoing support and education on SRH and GBV. We ensure that these resources remain available to help our youth navigate these important issues,” said Arlene Via, Senior Education Program Specialist of DepEd Ozamiz City Division.
Dr. Neil Angelo Cabudoy, municipal health officer of LGU Dangcagan, emphasized that the success of these initiatives lies in the strong partnership with the communities.
“Working with the SHE project, we created safe spaces for women and girls and provided the support they needed,” he said.
Dr. Niño Ceferino Revelo III, municipal health officer of LGU Clarin, emphasized the responsibility of leaders to sustain progress in SRH and GBV prevention, committing to integrate these initiatives into local policies and programs for the benefit of future generations.
Pasidungog 2024 concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among all attendees, as they pledged to continue their efforts in making Northern Mindanao a safer and healthier place for all, particularly for women and girls.
The Subnational Close-Out event for Northern Mindanao is part of a series of events marking the conclusion of the SHE project. Close-out events have already been held in Eastern Visayas, while more are upcoming in Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, CARAGA, and the Bicol Region. (CDAnugon/SHE Project-Northern Mindanao)
