Youth Empowerment Initiative Transforms Over 1,000 Students in Groundbreaking Health Campaign

In a powerful display of community collaboration, Pagsanjan youth receive life-changing health education and resources

PAGSANJAN, LAGUNA — The halls of Pagsanjan Integrated National High School buzzed with excitement as more than 1,000 students participated in a transformative health awareness event that experts are calling “a model for youth empowerment nationwide.”

The provincial launch of Life+Saver’s “Young & The Curious” campaign, brought together multiple Rotary Clubs, local government officials, and healthcare specialists in an unprecedented effort to address critical health challenges facing today’s youth.

Rotary Clubs Lead the Way

The Rotary Club of Jose Abad Santos Manila proudly co-hosted this impactful initiative alongside the Rotary Club of Manila South, demonstrating their shared commitment to bringing the Magic of Rotary to communities in need. Their collaborative leadership ensured the event’s remarkable success, with Rotary Clubs from District 3810 playing a crucial role in extending the reach and impact of this youth empowerment program.

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Manila South for organizing this exceptional project and to RC Jose Abad Santos Manila for their vital partnership in making this vision a reality.

A Holistic Approach to Modern Challenges

What set this initiative apart was its comprehensive approach to youth wellness. Students from Grades 9-12 engaged with experts across multiple critical areas:

• Child and teen pregnancy

• Mental health awareness and support

• Vision and ENT health screenings

• Online safety in the digital age

The interactive format allowed students to ask questions they might otherwise be too uncomfortable to voice, creating an atmosphere of openness and trust throughout the event.

Beyond Education: Tangible Support

The initiative went beyond education by providing free eyeglasses to students with vision difficulties, as well as offering hearing screenings that benefited both students and faculty members.

The comprehensive health interventions included free counseling sessions and direct access to medical professionals, creating immediate impact beyond awareness alone.

Collaborative Success

The event demonstrated the power of multi-sector collaboration, bringing together:

• Rotary Club of Manila South, Rotary Club of Jose Abad Santos Manila and other clubs from District 3810

• Pagsanjan local government units

• Youth organizations including PULSO and SK

• Medical professionals across specialties

• Youth advocate Ms. Eco Teen International ’22 First Princess Francesca Beatriz “Bea” Mclelland

The success of this initiative highlighted how community partnerships can create meaningful change when focused on youth empowerment and health education.

The “Young & The Curious” campaign stands as a testament to what’s possible when Rotary Clubs prioritize youth health education and provide both knowledge and resources in an engaging, accessible format.

Submitted and written by: MIP Desiree Gayamo