Governor Emmylou “Lala” T. Mendoza encouraged young Cotabateños to remain focused on their goals, uphold discipline, and value education as the Provincial Government of Cotabato opened a three-day “Sexually Healthy and Personally Empowered Adolescent (SHAPE-A) Camp” on Wednesday.
The camp, organized by the Provincial Governor’s Office–Population and Gender Development Division (PGO-PopGAD), gathered high school students from various municipalities across the province at The Basket inside the Capitol Compound in Amas.
In her message, Mendoza emphasized the importance of staying on the right path and making responsible life choices.
“I hope you do your best to stay on track, graduate on time, remain God-fearing, and become a disciplined and responsible Cotabateño,” Mendoza said.
The SHAPE-A Camp aims to equip adolescents with essential knowledge, skills, and values to become informed and empowered individuals, particularly in matters related to sexual and reproductive health.
According to the provincial government, the initiative also helps participants better navigate the physical, emotional, and social challenges of adolescence.
The program includes a series of modules designed to deepen participants’ understanding of themselves and their relationships. These cover topics such as “Changing Bodies,” “Changing Feelings,” “Changing Relationships,” and “Having a Safe, Healthy and Happy Adolescence.”
Mendoza expressed hope that through the program, the province will continue to nurture a generation of well-informed and resilient youth capable of making sound decisions for their future.
