February 24, 2015
A two hour (1-3pm) focused presentation on teenage pregnancy was given at Balibago National High School in Laguna to 120-130 students, over 75% of which were girls between the ages of 12-14. Teenage mother Ronalyn Thanre from the Mangas II sqatter camp in Alfonso, Cavite, holding her 8-month old son, was the main speaker (supported by 13-year old Kessy, also from Mangas). Starting with an emotional talk as to her background and sufferings as a destitute teenage mother and with RIMM (Rotary International Multinational Manila) member and teacher Mondejar as moderator, she settled down and answered student questions for over one hour. IPP (Immediate Past President) Klaus followed with an overview of the rapid increase in population in relation to the availability and price of rice, the most basic commodity for survival.
RIMM treated The Mangas teenage speakers to lunch, provided a honorarium to them and also provided additional rice support. Funded by RIMM and prepared on-site, merienda was served to all students at three o’clock.
