274 students in Flora benefit from youth development session; Mayor Juan stresses importance of informed decision to succeed

Flora, Apayao- Two-hundred seventy-four (274) high school students comprising grades 10 to 12 of Mayor Ricardo De San Jose Comprehensive National High School (MRDCNHS) on Friday, October 18 went through an interactive and youth development session focusing on critical issues affecting young people.

Flora Local Youth Development Office, in collaboration with the Sangguniang Kabataan organized said activity with key speakers to educate and inform learners on Drug Awareness, Teenage Pregnancy, Mental Health Awareness, and Spiritual Development.

In his message, Mayor Rodolfo Juan emphasized the IEC serves as a holistic approach to safeguard the youth from wrong decisions and to empower them to navigate the challenges they face with hope and resilience. With this, Juan said, the activity aided in creating a healthier, more informed generation. He added that learners should prioritize in persevering on their studies making their parents their inspiration as they move towards achieving their goals.

"Ti adal, haan pulus nga marunot ken mapukaw ta dayta ti patawid dagiti nagannak. Agyaman kayo kadakuada ta isuda ti mangi-pang pangruna ti mausar ken masapol yu ti eskwelaan. Ayaten yu kuma met ida ken ipateg yu ti dagiti naggannak yu," Mayor Juan said.

Moreover, MSWDO Iris Venus Sana stated the youth development session is held every year to establish among young people support peer networks and strengthen their spiritual foundation, while developing healthy lifestyle choices.

Last July 23-24,2024 six (6) High Schools across the municipality had their YDS and Linggo ng Kabataan. On the first week of November 2024, grade 12 students of Flora National High School will also undergo said session to be sponsored by the SKs.

Meantime, PCPL Rowena S. Icalla, RHU Nurse III Haidee M. Awing, Nurse Mae Liza Tabili, Pastor Adonis and Judith Gorospe provided crucial lectures to said students on Drug Awareness, Teenage Pregnancy, Mental Health Awareness, and Spiritual Development, respectively.