ISAT U Leon Peer Facilitators Conduct a Talk Entitled” My Body, My Choice”
The ISAT U Leon Guidance Office, in collaboration with Gender and Development and ISAT U Leon Peer Facilitators, conducted a talk titled ‘My Body, My Choice’ on February 19, 2024. The goal of the activity was to raise awareness about the consequences of early sexual experiences and unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, it aimed to provide students with an essential toolkit of knowledge and attitudes to help them make healthy, conscious, ethical, and respectful choices regarding their sexuality, relationships, and physical health.
Representatives from FPOP (Family Planning Organization of the Philippines) Iloilo Chapter, headed by Ms. Louria Joy D. Paragon, delivered an informative and interactive dialogue with students, and facilitated free HIV and Syphilis testing in collaboration with the Leon Rural Health Unit.
The Commission on Population and Development recorded 56,428 cases of live births among girls aged 10 to 17 in 2020. According to the Philippine Information Agency, Adolescent Pregnancy was declared a national emergency in 2023. Moreover, the Global AIDS Monitoring Report in 2022 recorded a 327% increase in new HIV infections. We understand that there is no single solution to the problem, creating opportunities for students to gain knowledge can make a significant contribution. Offering necessary information to students about their sexuality instills confidence and empowerment, which may improve their well-being through healthy and well-informed choices.