TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda commended the City Health Office (CHO) for initiating a creative and impactful program aimed at steering the youth away from harmful vices.
Dubbed as the “Bisyo Skeri Maze,” the event took place on November 19 and sought to discourage young people from engaging in smoking, alcoholism, gambling, drug addiction, and pre-marital sex.
“I commend our City Health Office for successfully organizing the Bisyo Skeri Maze event. As I’ve said, it’s delightful to see that our healthcare providers are not only skilled in administering care but are also creative! Through their thoughtfully designed booths, they were able to vividly portray the frightening consequences of various vices,” Mayor Agda said in a mix of English and Waray.
The mayor expressed his intent to expand the program into a larger event by the first quarter of 2025, emphasizing its significance in addressing issues like teenage pregnancy, substance addiction, and other social challenges.
“This initiative not only educates but also motivates our youth to act responsibly and become productive members of the community,” Agda added.
He encouraged the CHO to replicate the activity next year on a bigger and more extensive scale to reach a wider audience.
The Department of Health-sponsored event featured interactive booths that graphically showcased the negative effects of vices. Youth participants, including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, were actively involved.
SK Barangay E Kagawad Angela Lagrada praised the program for its relevance and the lessons it imparted.
“As youth leaders of our barangay, attending activities like this is important because it helps us understand key issues better. This enables us to support our peers’ well-being and implement effective community projects,” Lagrada said.
Mayor Agda expressed hope that the program’s success will inspire similar youth-focused initiatives to foster healthier, more responsible lifestyles among the young people of Borongan City.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
