LUNA, Apayao – In response to urgent and pressing social issues in the province, a coordination meeting with officials, national agencies and stakeholders was conducted on January 10, 2025 at Payanan Clubhouse in San Gregorio, this municipality.
The concerns brought up include the increasing suicide cases, mental health problems, teenage pregnancies, and violence against women and children (VAWC).
The Office of the Congresswoman, in partnership with the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said the meeting is important to bring a consolidated approach to address these urgent social concerns.
Congresswoman Leah Bulut-Begtang during her talk stressed the need for dedicated action, encouraging the participants to help in charting the direction of plans needed to be implemented.
“I’m sure all of you attending this meeting can help. We can do something, we can plan and implement. We have many programs from the provincial government, municipal governments, national line agencies, pero may mga problema pa rin tayo na dapat nating tingnan,” said Cong. Leah has suggested unified efforts towards a clear direction so that existing programs could be pushed toward a common goal.
Bulut-Begtang related her observation on one of the issues, saying “After the pandemic, nagkaroon ulit ng problema which is the mental health ng ating mga kabataan.” Nevertheless, she said one point that should not be missed is that “if you try to look at it, this is an offshoot – galing lang yan sa mga nangyayaring violence.” She pointed to the alarming rate of rape cases among vulnerable children, specifically the mentally-challenged and those with disabilities.
“Instead of talking what we can do to help these victims, we should put our acts together,” she emphasized, urging the support of the legal system.
“We cannot eliminate all the social problems but at least mapababa man lang sana natin,” underscored the congresswoman as she highlighted the need for improved investigation processes and assurance of adequate support to victims, not just during the legal proceedings but throughout their lives.
“Suicide cases, alamin ang root cause. Ito ang challenge sa atin ngayon ano ba ang gusto nating mangyari?,” Congresswoman Leah said challenging the officials and leaders, again saying that these tragedies must be prevented, especially among children and vulnerable adults.
The congresswoman was able to draw out commitment from the participants coming from the religious groups, national line agencies, and even civil society organizations to provide support and help as well as establish coordination.
Bulut-Begtang ended her talk by encouraging the participants to address the critical social problems not only as an achievement but a personal commitment. By Loremia Pareja