WORLD POPULATION DAY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez urges the youth to focus on their education during a film showing on Adolescent Health and Development held at Judge Jose De Venecia Technical Vocational Secondary School on July 11. More than 300 grade 9 students from different schools in the city participated in the activity that was held in celebration of the World Population Day. The film showing aimed to raise awareness among the youth on teenage pregnancy and its repercussions. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)
DAGUPAN CITY – In celebration of the World Population Day, the city of Dagupan, through the City Population Office and in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), conducted a film showing on teenage pregnancy at Judge Jose De Venecia Sr. Technical Vocational Secondary School on July 11.
The annual celebration of the day when the world’s population reached approximately five billion, the World Population Day also aims to raise awareness on various global population issues and concerns.
During the activity, short film “Layag” was shown to more than 300 grade-9 students of JJDVSTVSS, Pugaro Integrated School, Bonuan Buquig National High School and Federico N. Ceralde Integrated School.
The short film bagged first place in the Regional Film Festival conducted by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) Region 1 in 2017.
The film dissemination was also part of the city’s initiative which focuses on Adolescent Health and Development.
A discussion on teenage pregnancy facilitated by the City Population Office representatives and U4U teen facilitators was also held after the film.
City Population Officer Leah Aquino disclosed that the film was chosen as a medium for learning as it would help engage the youth in discussions regarding teenage pregnancy.
“The City Population Office is conducting these kinds of activities to address teenage pregnancy in the city,” added Aquino.
Aquino also said that the local government continues to provide assistance to cases of teenage pregnancy through the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Meanwhile, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, in her message, urged the youth to practice abstinence from engaging in premarital sex as teenage pregnancy can delay and hinder their plans for their future.
“Do not neglect your futures. If you want to be successful in life, you have to study hard and complete your education. Help your families and listen to our parents and teachers. Wag niyong pababayaan ang mga buhay ninyo, “said Fernandez.
The City Population Office will continue to conduct film dissemination activities and discussions in all private and public schools in hopes of raising awareness among the youth on teenage pregnancy and its repercussions. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)