Program lessens teen pregnancies in Bauko town

By Saori S. Bayaona

BAUKO, Mountain Province – Health authorities here started a program to lessen rising teenage pregnancies/deliveries.
    This town’s Rural Health Unit recorded a decrease in teenage pregnancy/delivery rate here from 2020-2022 based on their annual monitoring.
    According to Lauren P. Dalmen, nurse of the Dept. of Health, a total of 66 cases, or two percent of teenage deliveries were recorded in 2020.
    In 2021, there were 34 cases, or 0.98 percent of teenage deliveries were reported. In 2022, there were 32 cases, or 0.95 percent.
    Dalmen said the effect of social media, vices (alcohol, smoking), lack of guidance, rebellion and curiosity was one of the many reasons for teenage deliveries.
    The decrease was attributed to the program “SaBaTa-BaTu Og-ogbo Toy-toya Isnan Anan-ak” (SHOTA) established in 2017 by a group of obstetricians from the RHU.
    Their partners included five municipalities Sabangan, Bauko, Tadian, Barlig, and Tubo, Abra. But in 2019, it was fully implemented to address the increasing teenage deliveries in Bauko.
    The program also aimed to solve HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, and vices.
    In 2017, the program was conducted in 12 schools in various barangays of Bauko. Unto; now, they have been conducting the program at least twice a day in every session to cover all four modules.
    The first and second module is conducted in the morning and the third and fourth module is held in the afternoon session.
    Module 1 contains lectures on adolescent health and development, Module 2 focuses on facts or bluffs regarding adolescent health, Module 3 discusses daily routines and risky moves of teenagers, and Module 4 discusses coping with teen challenges.
    The activity is conducted through lectures and open forums. Prizes are given during question-and-answer sessions.
    One of the schools they visited to conduct the program was Abatan National High School (ANHS).
According to Glory M. Pal-og, school head of ANHS, the program was intended for students to be aware of their health.
    She suggested the program conducted twice a year to see the progress.
    Students reportedly enjoyed the program as they were encouraged to learn more.
    She added activities included psychosocial and addressing issues experienced by students.
    “The program was very well participated by students. They enjoyed listening especially activities wherein they learn much, that’s why I observed they like more. There should be follow-ups so we would be able to monitor the progress.”
    Patricia B. Wangdali, school nurse of ANHS, said the program aimed to inform and educate students on issues of adolescence and being health conscious.
    “The program had an impact on the students as they were aware especially, that mental health issues were happening,” she said.
    A student leader from Abatan National High School said the program made them more aware of their environment and consequences of their actions.