Makati, Philippines - Young Filipino leaders are ready to take on the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) challenge as 27 young people all over the country convene not just as members of UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) and Youth Peer Education Network (Y-PEER) – Pilipinas, but as leaders of positive change. The launching of Y-PEER in the Philippines took place during a national meeting on December 4 – 8, 2009 as a response to the call of UNFPA to advise innovative ways in working with and responding to the needs of the young people.

The UNFPA Country Representative, Ms. Suneeta Mukherjee, hosted the meeting, which was attended by other UNFPA Country Office staff, active youth leaders within the Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) movement, as well as friends and supporters of young people from the internationally acclaimed television series, Big Brother. During the launching, the celebrities from Big Brother made clear that their appearance has nothing to do with their being public figure, but as individuals who support the cause of the activity. But being part of media, they also reassured that they would advocate UNFPA youth leaders in their TV appearances whenever possible.

The second day was devoted to site visits in Olongapo City, three hours north of Manila, which is known for its successful integrations of ARH programmes. The young leaders visited formal and alterative schools, youth and women’s centers, as well as a wellness center, to learn not only how the city became successful in integrating ARH into their programmes, but also the challenges they faced. Attendees even got to meet with the mayor and other local leaders who are responsible for the passage of the Reproductive Health ordinance in the city.

The last three days were a bit technical as both YAP and Y-PEER focused on drafting recommendations and action planning. Both groups presented their recommendations to the UNFPA Country Representative and she was very pleased with them. Ms. Mukherjee challenged the young people to solidify these recommendations within a budget that UNFPA Country Office may consider in their Action Plan for 2010. The Youth Advisory Panel and new members of Y-PEER Pilipinas were impressed and grateful that she was able to devote a large portion of her time to this meeting, despite her busy schedule. The whole activity is part of UNFPA’s commitment to work with and for the young people, and Y-PEER looks forward to a close partnership at the national level, and making an impact for youth issues in the coming years.

This article was written by Mr. Mario Balibago with edits from Y-PEER International. To view pictures of the event, please click the following link:

Photos of the Y-PEER National Meeting