The RDC2-Social Development Committee (SDC) endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC2) the Start-up Guide Toolkit for the Establishment of Teen Centers in Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region during its 3rd Quarter Regular Business Meeting held on September 28, 2023 via zoom. The toolkit will assist LGUs in planning and starting a Teen Center as they take on the leadership to create an adolescent health and development program in their respective localities. The establishment of teen centers in LGUs is being considered as one of the indicators of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

A teen center is a one-stop-shop facility that provides appropriate information, skills, and services to adolescents and young people. It forms part of the referral system for the information and service delivery network, either as initiating or receiving facility, especially for those who require specific professional or special attention.

The SDC also supported the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) which aims to increase productivity, maintain nutrition and food security, and combat hunger and poverty. This can optimize economic resource base through supplementary feeding, livelihood programs and essential support services, including the participation of community-based organizations in government procurement as partners and service providers.

Other agenda items discussed include: (1) EO 27 (Re-organizing the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger), (2) Proposed Database on contractual jobs, self-employed and permanent employees in the formal and informal sector, and (3) Report on the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) Accomplishments.

The meeting was presided over by the SDC Chair Honorable Governor Dakila Carlo Cua of the province of Quirino. NEDA-PMED