Iloilo City Council recently approved an ordinance which institutionalizes Friday as Adolescent Day in all health centers in the metropolis.
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| Councilor Candice Tupas showing the copy of ordinance which sets Friday as Adolescent Day in all health centers in the city. |
The “Adolescent-Friendly Clinic Day” assigns services to cater to the issues concerning youth and adolescents, such as, but not limited to teenage pregnancy, drug-related, health and sexual problems.
Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said the initiative specific to youth will promote and protect their welfare.
“The ordinance aims to contribute to the reduction of incidence susceptible to be committed by adolescents aging from 10 to 19 years old by reason of their vulnerability to understand the consequences of their actions,” said councilor Candice Magdalane Tupas, author of ordinance.
There are health problems that arise during adolescence stage such as intentional like suicide and unintentional like accidents or injuries, sexual and reproductive, substance use and abuse, mental, nutritional and chronic diseases, Tupas noted in reference to report of World Health Organization (WHO).
The ordinance, however, does not limit adolescents’ access to all health centers on any other clinic days of the week from 8am to 5 pm as they are still allowed to visit at their convenient time, clarified Tupas.
“The ordinance will also provide an avenue for young adolescents facing certain issues that interaction with people trained and equipped in dealing health development program can lessen their burdens and eventually improve their well-being.” she added. [via Iloilo City PIO]
