There were also free screenings for the human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis and hepatitis B provided by the Social Hygiene Clinic and Drop-in Center to ensure the health safety of the youth, and immediate treatment if any diseases were detected.
Led by the Taguig City Health Office (CHO) and the Local Youth Development Office, a health summit was held to remind the youth about the importance of their health, especially in terms of early pregnancy, smoking and vaping, use of illicit drugs, abuse including physical and online sexual abuse, mental health, and nutrition.
Three hundred youths attended the event titled "YOUTH X HEALTH SUMMIT: Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World," aimed at empowering youths in their physical and mental well-being.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano attended the summit and stated, "Even though these topics are sensitive, you need to be aware to really spread information. Use the platforms you have to educate and empower. That's very important. I hope after attending this event, you will realize you have the power to influence others and the power to really inform."
Non-profit organization Vital Strategies commended Taguig City's efforts to ensure that the youth learn to take care of their health from an early age.
"Through the Youth X Health Summit, Taguig City stands at the forefront of empowering citizens with healthier living conditions by discouraging the use of cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products through regulation, active enforcement, and constant communication," according to Kaloi Garcia, Senior Communications Manager of Vital Strategies.
There were also interactive activities conducted, including games and role-playing, to fully understand teen-age pregnancy, proper nutrition, and the effects of smoking, vaping, and drug use.
Commitment walls were set up where the youth wrote down their promises to avoid vices or actions that could harm their health.
(Photos from Taguig PIO)
