The Embracing Pleasure Project is a research-based initiative focused on raising awareness about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Funded by Plan International Pilipinas, this project provides education on sexual well-being, consent, and reproductive rights to youth and adults in the community. Through interactive discussions and training, AYIP OCCIMIN members are equipped to debunk myths surrounding sexual health and promote accurate, evidence-based information. By increasing awareness, the project empowers individuals to make informed choices about their bodies and relationships, while also improving access to essential healthcare services, including family planning and STI prevention.
The Youth Space: Teen Center was established to create a safe and welcoming space for young people to explore their curiosity about their bodies and engage in meaningful discussions about reproductive health. Supported by Plan International Philippines through the Girls Challenges Grants Program, the center provides free counseling sessions, school supplies, hygiene kits, and printing services to help students with their educational needs. Beyond academic support, the center serves as a vital community hub where adolescents receive mentorship, guidance, and social support, helping to reduce risky behaviors and foster positive youth development.
Recognizing the challenges faced by adolescent mothers, AYIP OCCIMIN, in partnership with Plan International Pilipinas and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sablayan, launched the Livelihood Program to help young mothers gain financial independence. Through this initiative, each beneficiary received ₱10,000 in livelihood assistance from a ₱370,000 fund, enabling them to start small businesses or support their basic needs. The program also includes financial literacy training to help participants manage their resources effectively. By equipping teenage mothers with the skills and opportunities needed to become self-sufficient, this initiative has empowered young women to take control of their financial futures and provide for their families.
Education is a fundamental right, yet many students struggle to access basic learning materials. To bridge this gap, AYIP OCCIMIN, with support from Plan International Pilipinas and the Sangguniang Kabataan of San Vicente, initiated the Provision of School Supplies Program. This project provides essential educational resources to students from indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, teenage parents, and low-income families in the barangays of Ligaya and San Vicente. By ensuring that students have access to the materials they need, the initiative reduces financial burdens on families and promotes a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for youth in the community.
In many rural and island communities, discussing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) remains a taboo. To challenge these societal norms, AYIP OCCIMIN launched a series of SRHR Awareness Symposiums, funded by Plan International Pilipinas through the Girls Challenge Grant Project. The campaign has successfully reached 898 youth and out-of-school youth (OSY) in Sablayan and San Jose, educating them on topics such as STI prevention, reproductive rights, consent, and gender equality. By breaking long-standing taboos and providing crucial knowledge, the initiative fosters a more informed and supportive community, ensuring that adolescents have the confidence and resources to make safe, responsible decisions about their health.
Teenage parenthood comes with unique challenges, including financial stress, emotional difficulties, and limited access to support systems. To address these issues, AYIP OCCIMIN, in collaboration with Plan International Pilipinas, conducted Parenting Sessions for Teenage Parents. These sessions, attended by 30 teenage couples, focus on child development, responsible parenting, financial planning, and emotional well-being. By providing young parents with essential life skills and guidance, the program has strengthened family relationships, boosted parental confidence, and encouraged long-term goal setting. Through this initiative, AYIP OCCIMIN is committed to ensuring that young families receive the support they need to build stable, successful futures.
Menstrual hygiene remains a critical but often overlooked issue in many communities. As part of the International Women’s Month celebration, AYIP OCCIMIN partnered with Plan International Pilipinas to distribute 300 sanitary pads to female students at San Vicente National High School. This initiative aims to promote menstrual health and hygiene management while breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation. By providing these essential hygiene products, AYIP OCCIMIN helps ensure that girls do not miss school due to lack of access to menstrual products, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for young women.