Caloocan to set up‘Teen Healthquarters’

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri has announced the establishment of the "Teen Healthquarters" in the city to help young residents cope with changes and mold them into responsible adults.

Echiverri said the city government will enter into an agreement with the Foundation for Adolescent Development for the setting up of the THQ as stated in Resolution 1738 approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod.

He said the youth are more aggressive and adventurous now in exploring new ideas and more exposed to information that undermine good values.

The mayor said the THQ will make accessible to young people, aged 15-24, information-education, values clarification and behavior modeling relevant to the changes they are experiencing.

He said it will also provide select medical services relevant to sexuality, reproductive health and development needs. The THQ will be managed by youth-friendly, competent professionals and volunteers.

The approved resolution said the THQ has been tested in different situational contexts such as mall-based settings, community-based local government units, industrial and school-based setting.

Among the advocates of THQ are Echiverri, the Sangguniang Kabataan, City Health Office, Committee on Women and Family, Liga ng mga Barangay, and FAD.Echiverri said United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through a project grant to FAD will provide the financial requirements for THQ.

The transfer of technology will include materials on franchise operation and training, educational and promotional materials, training, initial marketing and branding assistance, monitoring the maintenance of standard operations and access to future materials that will be developed by the foundation.