On October 14, 2017, RIMM was invited by Indonesia Diaspora Network (IDN) Manila (an NGO involved in social services in Asia) to conduct speaking engagements on Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines held at Barangay. Payatas in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
IDN noted that Brgy. Payatas has one of the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Metro Manila. The area is known as a trash dumping site of greater Manila.
The forum was attended by female and male teenagers along with their mothers totaling around 100. The local barangay officials and health workers got also involved in the forum.
RIMM speakers past president Raymund and current president Betty along with Gina of DSWD (Department of Social Welfare Development) Alfonso and Anna of LCPC (Local Council for Protection of Children) relayed the social aspects of teenage pregnancy. Gina made the whole audience to vow to prevent teenage pregnancy. Another invited speaker of IDN Dr. Belen Rajagukguk talked abut the health aspect of teenage pregnancy.
In the discussion session the participants were separated into 3 groups. The first group consisted of 12 to 20 years old female and male teenagers; the second group consisted of 9 to 11 years old children and the third group consisted of parents. Key speakers Anna, Gina and president Betty acted as facilitators of the said groups respectively. President Betty found out during the discussion session that the parents of the teens are busy scavenging the dumpsites for livelihood and do not spend time with their children.
A role playing depicting the disadvantages of teenage pregnancy was performed by teens residing in Brgy. Payatas.
Several video clips on teenage pregnancy gave a visual chilling factor on the realities of early pregnancies.
IDN gave a full meal to their audience and even a loot bag to take home after the forum.
At the closing ceremony a certification of appreciation was given to the speakers. IDN officials told us that they were very satisfied about our speakers that they feel had given a direct impact to the teenagers and mothers who attended the forum.
IDN gave a donation of P4,000 to our club. IDN said they are looking forward to working with RIMM again.
