CABARROGUIS, Quirino — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 (DSWD FO2), in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Quirino, conducted the Teenage Education, Empowerment, and Nurturance (TEEN) Youth Camp for Children and Youth Not-Attending-School (CYNAS) beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from May 13 to 15 at the CPHR Function Hall in Capitol Hills, San Marcos.
The three-day activity aimed to help participants develop self-confidence, social awareness, and leadership skills through interactive learning sessions and team-building activities organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Empowering Movement for a Better Reintegration and Advocacy in a Caring Environment (EMBRACE).
Resource speakers from various government agencies and partner institutions facilitated discussions on anti-terrorism awareness, anti-illegal drugs campaign, mental health awareness, online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC), child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM), personality development, spirituality, and the importance of education.
Former 4Ps beneficiaries and youth professionals also shared inspiring testimonies to encourage participants to continue pursuing their goals, overcome challenges, and become responsible and productive members of society.
To strengthen camaraderie and leadership among participants, organizers conducted an Amazing Race activity as part of the camp’s team-building exercises. Personnel from the Philippine Army also provided free haircut services to male participants as part of their community outreach support.
A focus group discussion with a registered guidance counselor was likewise conducted to assess the psychosocial needs of the participants. Youth identified as needing further intervention were referred for psychological assessment and appropriate support services.
Said activity forms part of its continuing partnership with the Quirino provincial government in strengthening interventions for vulnerable youth sectors, particularly CYNAS from low-income households, under the agency’s “Bata Balik Eskwela” campaign which aims to encourage learners to return to school and pursue a better future through education.