Ordinance for adolescents okayed

CEBU, Philippines- The Cebu Provincial Board yesterday approved on the third and final reading an ordinance that looks after the health of adolescents in the province by providing them health services and education.

The measure is known as the Provincial Adolescent Health and Youth Development Ordinance.

Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale, who sponsored the ordinance, explained that the ordinance will look after the reproductive health needs of the adolescents and youth and their roles as future parents and leaders of the nation.

The PAHYDP supports adolescent programs that provide information to help adolescents and youth understand their sexuality, develop the right values in them, help them make responsible decisions and prepare them for “responsible adulthood and parenthood.”

It further aims to “reduce incidences of teen age pregnancy, incidences of early marriage and other reproductive health problems of the youth.”

“We emphasized not on the actions but more on the duties and responsibilities of the young adults,” Magpale said.

He said the province has initially set aside P900,000 for the implementation of the ordinance.

Magpale said the challenge now is on the implementation aspect since some areas are “conservative.”

But he is optimistic on the program with the help of the concerned agencies.

The ordinance was approved but Board Member Peter John Calderon, chairman of PB Committee on Health, abstained from the voting for its passage during PB’s out-of-town session in Bogo City Hall yesterday.

The out-of-town session was held to bring the provincial government closer to its constituents, as explained by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, the presiding officer.  (FREEMAN)