SOME 250 teens in Davao City are set to converge for the first Teen Forum in Davao City on November 19 at Royal Mandaya Hotel.
The event, dubbed as #EhKasiTeenager, will tackle topics like the internet, drug and alcohol addiction, cyber bullying, teenage pregnancy skincare and healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Bianca Maglana of Philippine Pediatric Society-Davao Southern Mindanao Center (PDS-DSMC) said during Monday's Kapehan sa Dabaw at The Annex of SM City Davao that Sexually Transmitted Disease and human immunodeficiency virus among teens, who are considered as the vulnerable sector of the society, will also be discussed.
Maglana said the event is a joint effort of PDS-DSMC in partnership with Department of Health (DOH)-Davao and Davao City Council for the Welfare of Children (DCCWC).
Maglana also said the event is part of their advocacy to strengthen the awareness campaign among teens who are less accessible to the current trends and necessary information relevant for them to have a better life.
"The forum also aims to teach teenagers major concerns that we have to address," Maglana said.
According to recent statistics, Davao City is ranked third in the country for high cases of teenage pregnancy while the Philippines is number one in Asia.
With the alarming prevalent cases because of the internet and social media, organizers took the initiative to hold the forum.
"They have more access, they are digitally wired and more exposed," Maglana said.
Meanwhile, two teen centers at Brokenshire Memorial Hospital and Southern Philippines Medical Center are available to cater to needs of teens in Davao City.