The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Social Technology Unit (STU), recently conducted a three-day activity for Project ProtecTEEN: Psychosocial Support and Other Interventions for Adolescent Mothers and Their Families in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

Project ProtecTEEN is a social initiative to support adolescent mothers and their families by enhancing their psychosocial well-being and increasing their capacity to fulfill their roles as young individuals and parents. One of the project’s key goals is to prevent early, unplanned, and repeated pregnancies among adolescent parents and teens at risk.

Mr. Kristoper Dela Pena, Chief Administrator of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Socorro, stated on behalf of Mayor Riza Rafonselle Timcang, “We are blessed enough that our municipality is one of the pioneering beneficiary of Project ProtecTEEN because the government sees the need for the psychosocial support of the teens who have lost hope, especially in pursuing their education, their dreams, – tabangan ta sa DSWD Caraga nga mamatngon, ma responsable, ug mabuhi atong dugo balik, na bisan na kabdos ta, mupadayon ta with the help of this program.”

The event, conducted last October 29-31, 2024, engaged 60 participants, including adolescent mothers, their partners, and their parents, in a series of activities led by trained social workers from the agency.

Participants had the opportunity to re-learn about children’s rights, gain knowledge about reproductive health, and address stigma. Most importantly, the program provided a safe space for participants to reflect, share their frustrations, and work toward reconciliation and hope for the future.