20/08/2026
From Safe Spaces to SHAPE-A Futures: Empowering Young People in Estancia๐ค
Today, August 20, 2026, the Iloilo Provincial Population Office headed by Atty. Von Superio, together with Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Team led by Ms. Ruth A. Aguilar-Lujan, travelled approximately 45 kilometers from the Municipality of Concepcion to the town of Estancia to conduct the Capacity Building of Peer Helpers on Interactive Intervention Strategies in Adolescent Health and Youth Development under the SHAPE-A (Sexually Healthy and Physically Empowered Adolescent) Program for the peer helpers of Estancia National High School.
SHAPE-A is more than a training program. It is an investment in young peopleโequipping them with the knowledge, confidence, communication skills, and positive peer influence they need to make responsible decisions, protect their health, build healthy relationships, and navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Through our Peer Helpers, we bring adolescent health closer to where young people are most comfortable: among their peers, within their schools, and within their communities. By empowering youth to become informed, compassionate, and responsible peer advocates, we help create safer and more supportive spaces where every adolescent can ask questions, seek guidance, and make healthier choices.
This 3-day in-house capacity building is an initiative and part of the continuing commitment of the Province of Iloilo under the able leadership of Governor Toto Defensor to strengthen Adolescent Health and Youth Development interventionsโnot simply to respond to adolescent concerns, but to empower young people to become active partners in shaping their own futures.
The opening program was graced by Executive Assistant to the Governor, Ms. Rowena Placencia and Estancia Municipal Administrator Engr. Armand Ravena, representing Estancia Mayor Bianca Requinto, whose presence underscores the importance of strong collaboration among the Provincial Government, municipalities, schools, families, and young people.
Our heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Bianca Requinto for her unwavering support to our population and development programs, especially initiatives that invest in the health, well-being, protection, and potential of the youth.
Thank you to our Population Program Officer assigned in Estancia, Mr. Bernadine Adaniel, for facilitating this capacity building for our youth.
And today, we proudly echo Estanciaโs call: โWaswas, Bugsay, Estancia for MoRProGRes ILOILO!โ ๐ฃโโ๏ธ๐๐
Together, let us waswas away the barriers, bugsay forward with purpose, and empower our young people to become healthier, stronger, and more future-ready partners in building a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo.
Because when we empower our young people today, we shape a stronger Iloilo tomorrow.
SHAPE-A: Sexually Healthy and Physically Empowered โ Adolescents!