(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Laughter, life lessons, and a pair of well-loved puppets took the spotlight as Neneng and Biboy charmed students during the back-to-back opening of two new school-based Teen Centers in Calbayog City, turning an important youth program launch into a fun and memorable learning experience.
The educational puppet show headlined the opening programs at Calbayog City National High School in the morning and San Policarpo National High School in the afternoon, drawing enthusiastic responses from students.
The activities were led by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VIII, in partnership with the City Population Office of Calbayog and the Provincial Population Office of Leyte.
Neneng and Biboy, an Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) initiative of the Provincial Population Office of Leyte, uses interactive storytelling and relatable characters to discuss topics such as adolescent development, sexuality, and reproductive health in a way that is age-appropriate and easy to understand. Through humor and dialogue, the puppet show encouraged students to ask questions, express themselves, and make informed choices.
Beyond the entertainment, the show marked the official opening of the Teen Centers—safe, youth-friendly spaces where adolescents can access reproductive health information, life skills activities, and guidance services within their schools.
CPD Region VIII Regional Director Elnora Pulma, who attended both events, said expanding adolescent-friendly services remains a priority for the region, with adolescent health and development programs lined up as a key focus for 2026.
Calbayog City Mayor Raymund “Monmon” C. Uy also joined the launch and urged students to make full use of the Teen Centers, saying these spaces are meant to help young people make responsible and healthy decisions.
City Population Officer Dymple Via Naparan said the centers are designed to be welcoming spaces where adolescents feel heard, respected, and supported, a goal echoed by school officials and Department of Education partners who backed the initiative.
Students warmly received the puppet show, which added energy and color to the milestone event. CPD Region VIII also acknowledged the Provincial Population Office of Leyte, led by Provincial Population Officer Melchora Cawile, for bringing Neneng and Biboy to Calbayog City and supporting youth-centered programs.
The opening of the two teen centers marks another step forward in strengthening youth development efforts in Calbayog City, with partner agencies committing to continued collaboration to promote adolescent well-being.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
