Week 2: Stakeholder Coordination

The initial plan was to collaborate with the Biñan LYDC, in coordination with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) from three barangays. The first meeting was primarily with the LYDC adviser, who was very receptive to the ideas and proposals I shared. Since the plan involves three barangays, I also had to reach out to three additional SK chairpersons to consolidate ideas, particularly regarding the delivery of the program. However, logistical challenges soon became apparent—holding the event in a single venue posed difficulties for both the youth participants and the SK representatives. While the idea of conducting the program via Zoom was suggested, I had to carefully consider several factors that might affect the effectiveness and intended impact of the program if delivered in an online format.

As a result, the SKs had to reassess the feasibility of the project, and unfortunately, we had to cancel the partnership. Several concerns arose that could hinder implementation as well. Consequently, I needed to find a different local that was open to collaboration.

This led me to Brgy. Laram, San Pedro, Laguna. In partnership with Barangay Captain Edwin Palomar, SK Chairman Janzel Catungal, and SK Treasurer Grace Ylagan, the project became viable.

Figue 9. Courtesy Visit and Project Proposal Discussion with Brgy. Captain Edwin Palomar and SK Officials

I personally visited the community to conduct an informal interview and pitch the project. However, unlike the initial plan, which was to create a working instructional material that the locale could use as a basis, Barangay Laram's main issue is not only the absence of instructional material but also the lack of a structured model or step-by-step manual that they can follow to conduct educational discussions or seminars within the barangay. This issue affects the effectiveness of the programs they implement for the youth.

Fortunately, they confirmed that sexual education is a timely and valuable initiative. They also noted that teenage pregnancy has been a concern in the community, as reflected in their 2024 data. They believed this project would be especially beneficial if fully implemented. We then decided to pilot the framework I will be developing, with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as the main topic of the seminar.