Mayor John Dalipe Tuesday morning formally signed Ordinance 607, creating the Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Council in the city, manifesting his unrelenting commitment to ensure a better and brighter future for the young generation.

The ordinance, principally authored by Councilors Cary John Pioc, Lilibeth Nuño, El King Omaga, Al Jihan Edding, Rogelio Valesco Jr., Vicente Guingona and Joel Esteban, is in accordance with the National Policy and Framework on Adolescent Health and Development issued by the Department of Health in March 2013 mandating all local government units to ensure provision of basic adolescent health care services.

Mayor Dalipe commended the Sangguniang Panlungsod for coming up with the legislation citing its urgency amidst the challenges besetting the young generation at present.

By affixing his signature, thereby enacting the ordinance, the mayor said he is pledging his full support to the full implementation of the edict for the benefit and well-being of the youth.

Based on ordinance 607, the Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Council (AYHDC) is composed of the mayor and the City Health Officer as co-chairperson with the following as members: Chairpersons of the Council Committee on Health and Sanitation, Council Committee on Youth and Sports Development and Council Committee on Barangay Affairs; Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR); City Social Welfare and Development Officer; City Civil Registrar; Zamboanga City Police Office Director and the Local Youth Development Officer.

The Council will serve as the policy-making body of the Adolescent and Youth Health Programs (AYHP); center of collaboration and partnership; oversee the technical working group for guidance and technical assistance; and promote and protect the health of adolescents and youth in the city through information, education and appropriate referral for adolescent-friendly health services.

The Council will prioritize programs for adolescent and youth to ensure their health, wellness and development, specifically nutrition, immunization, adolescent program, family planning, safe motherhood, STI/HIV AIDS, oral health, mental health, injury, violence, alcoholic beverages, drugs and smoking among others. (Sheila Covarrubias)