Social media use and mental health emerged as key concerns for young Ilonggos as government officials urged teen peer helpers to help address these issues and encouraged the youth to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future.
National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson and Undersecretary Joseph Francisco Ortega said the agency plans to bring a Meta team to Iloilo this year to work with the provincial government on programs promoting the ethical and responsible use of social media.
Ortega, who spoke during the 2026 Provincial Teen Center Day at the Iloilo Convention Center on Thursday, Sept. 3, also reminded parents and children about the importance of practicing cyber hygiene.
“It’s really important for you to learn how to use social media,” he said.
The gathering, attended by about 700 teen helpers and coordinators, also highlighted the role of youth organizations in addressing mental health concerns, including risks associated with social media and the rising cases of teenage suicide.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. urged teen peer helpers and center coordinators to serve as frontliners in identifying young people who may need help and connecting them with government support services.
“We cannot do counseling if we do not know the problem. So you are the nerve endings of our programs,” Defensor said, emphasizing the importance of peer counselors in early intervention.
Provincial Population Officer and lawyer Ruel Von Superio described teen centers as safe spaces where young people can seek guidance, heal, build friendships, and pursue their aspirations.
Iloilo province has 102 school-based teen centers, including 21 stand-alone facilities established under the Teen Center 2.0 program.
The officials’ call for greater youth participation also extended beyond social and mental health concerns to governance.
Ortega urged young Ilonggos to scrutinize candidates and vote for those who will serve the public interest, warning that politicians who spend heavily to win elections may seek to recover their campaign expenses through government projects.
He said citizens who want better governance must also take responsibility for choosing their leaders.
“If you want to be the hope, you have to be the change that you wish to see,” Ortega said.
With the 2028 elections ahead, Ortega urged the youth to register as voters, make informed choices and participate actively in the electoral process.
“Be wise. Register to vote,” he said.
The event carried the theme “Empowering Youth. Inspiring Change. Building the Future.”PNA
