MAMBURAO, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO — “Can someone get pregnant when they have sex during their period?”
It was one of the questions drawn from Roots of Health’s mystery box at its booth during the 2nd MIMAROPA Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Regional Summit held here on August 11–14. A governor and a Municipal Youth Development Officer took a guess. Their answer: No.
The exchange gave Roots of Health the opportunity to correct a common misconception about pregnancy and menstruation and illustrated the open, practical conversations that the organization hopes to encourage around adolescent health.
The summit, carrying the theme “Game On, Kabataan: Investing in Young People, Securing MIMAROPA’s Demographic Dividend”, brought together students, teachers, guidance counselors, health workers, elected youth leaders, and local government officers to discuss the health and development needs of young people across the region.
Roots of Health showcased its youth-focused services and resources through a booth where attendees got free condoms, stickers, and educational materials.
Education Programs Director Jan Servando, and Social Worker Rodjen Limpiado served as panelists and technical judges for other summit activities.
Limpiado facilitated a session on mental health, protection, and youth support systems, using an interactive approach that drew positive feedback from participants.
One participant suggested that similar conversations be offered to parents too, a reminder that supporting young people also requires engaging the adults and institutions around them.
ROH’s participation brings its youth health work into a regional network while creating opportunities to continuously connect and share knowledge and resources.
At the last day of the Summit, the Commission on Population and Development MIMAROPA presented Roots of Health with the 2026 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award in two categories: Initiatives on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning and Initiatives on Adolescent Health and Development.
