A LAWMAKER is eyeing to establish a Teen Center in every barangay to cater to the youth with specialized needs.
“We are proposing to establish an ordinance for the creation of a center in every barangay as there is only one teen center in the city,” said Councilor Kristene Abdul Mercado, youth sectoral representative, during Pulong pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday.
Mercado added that the Teen Center can be a desk that can be accessed by the youth for their concerns and issues.
At present, the Davao City Teen Center, under the City Health Office’s Population Division, is located along Pelayo Street, near the People’s Park.
Adolescents aged 10-24 years old may visit the facility, which is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
The Teen Center offers services to the youth, including counselling services for HIV/AIDS, as well as for family planning for adolescents.
It also offers counseling for mental health and assists in the referral of clients to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the Mental Health and Wellness of Davao City.
Emmanuel Crismas, acting division head of the Davao City Youth Development Office, said the office, in partnership with the Committee on Youth and Sports, has been visiting the barangays to discuss the concerns of young people.
“It is during our barangay visitation that the difficulties of SK were identified, particularly on projects, including sports development fund,” Crismas said.
The establishment of Teen Centers in every barangay is crucial in assisting the SK in prioritizing projects and activities that benefit the youth.
Mercado said the ordinance will undergo second reading in the plenary this month after thorough consultation with the SK chairman of every barangay.
