Premier, DSWD Support Adolescent Mothers Through ProtecTEEN

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The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X on September 16 for a Healing and Transformation Session under the ProtecTEEN Program, bringing practical assistance and conversations on support, livelihood, and economic independence to adolescent mothers in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City.

The activity marked Premier’s first collaboration with ProtecTEEN, although the club has previously worked with DSWD on other initiatives. Thirty-nine adolescent mothers participated in the day’s activity.

The session formed part of DSWD’s Healing and Transformation Sessions (HATS), which provide adolescent parents with a space to discuss their experiences and strengthen their support systems. The September 16 program included discussions on “My Support System” and “Understanding Adolescent Parents and Their Challenges,” facilitated by social welfare officers from the ProtecTEEN Program.

Premier contributed an additional dimension to the morning through an inspirational talk by Atty. Maybelle Abogado-Quilnat on entrepreneurship and the economic impact of teenage pregnancy.

Drawing from her own experience of becoming a mother early in life, Atty. Maybelle shared personal insights with the participants while discussing entrepreneurship and the possibilities that can come with greater economic independence.

The club also prepared grocery packs for 74 beneficiaries, each containing two kilos of rice, canned goods, noodles, milk, crackers, and biscuits. Thirty-nine participants in Lumbia were among the intended recipients, while the remaining packs were allocated for distribution to beneficiaries in other areas.

Snacks for the activity were provided by Premier. Local name Cecile's Bakeshop also sponsored their famous casava cake to share.

Project Chair Krisha June Burgos represented the club during the opening program, while President Mae Grace Siao delivered the closing remarks. Joining them from Premier were PAG Mae Allyn Linaac, PAG Nielgem Beja, Director Ma. Jennifer Precious Go, Rotarian Jaynah Boado, and PAG Anna Katrina Sarraga.

For Premier, the collaboration brought together two forms of support that adolescent mothers may need at the same time: help with immediate household needs and opportunities to strengthen the knowledge, confidence, and economic capacity they can carry forward.#