COTABATO CITY (February 20, 2023)– The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), through BYC Commissioner for Tawi-Tawi Pratima Sabal- Samsaraji, underscored some major health issues faced by the youth in the region during the Focus Group Discussion led by the International Organization for Migration on Wednesday, February 15.
Among the issues identified was teenage or early pregnancy, which is rooted in different factors, including early marriage. Bangsamoro people were used to practicing early marriages, caused by a lack of knowledge and interest in participating in reproductive health and sex-related discussions.
Samsaraji said the BYC is always open to listening to the voices and grievances of the youth in the region.
Meanwhile, USAID Health Director Michelle Lang Ali said these issues serve as an “eye-opener” to the majority and that providing safe spaces for the youth to discuss various concerns is necessary for their development.
Key ideas will be utilized in designing health-related plans for youth. Both offices are expected to have further discussions on the said matter. (BYC PR Unit/AAA)
