A single mother, an education major, a former male sex worker, a bisexual student, a scholarship awardee and a student government president: These are the faces of Roots of Health’s Student Health Advocates. They may appear very different, but share a common passion for health and human rights. Today they are at BM Beach in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan assisting the Roots of Health staff conduct a LGBT Reproductive Health workshop with students from local universities. A girl shyly asks from the corner, “Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex during her period.” Then another, “Is it normal for someone to be very masculine and also gay?”

Their challenge, as Student Health Advocates, is to think critically and thoughtfully, while remaining non-judgmental. This is the best way to make students feel comfortable and trust them. As the day goes on, the discussion grows deeper as they delve into sexual orientation, gender, and human rights. By the time the workshop comes to a close, they are laughing with the students, discussing plans for the evening and hugging goodbye, smiles spread across our faces.
___________

It is widely known that young people are more comfortable talking with their peers than adult, especially when it comes to sex. When students can’t talk to their parents or adults, they go to their barkada. That is why a peer support system is extremely important, especially in a place like Palawan where teen pregnancy rates are high and reproductive health education is non-existent in schools’ curriculums. Young people have little knowledge of health and no one to turn to for accurate, scientifically based information. First year college girls, as young as 15, are getting pregnant and dropping out of school. With the current Reproductive Health Bill debate raging, young people are bombarded with misinformation from conservative spheres of society. Last year, we began teaching three-hour health classes at Palawan State University, but felt that we needed to disseminate information to a wider audience. So we recruited students.

Roots of Health’s Student Health Advocates have the task of promoting reproductive health on and off campus. They undergo intensive training on the basics of reproductive health, and how to successfully discuss health and relationships with fellow students in a way that will aid and empower them to live healthier lives. The Student Health Advocates also make referrals to Roots of Health’s hotline and their office in Puerto Princesa and assist the staff with seminars and workshops, like the LGBT workshop at BM Beach.
__________

A week has passed since the workshop at BM Beach, and the SHAs are now gathered for a second workshop, entitled “Usap Tayo” – “We Speak”. Roots of Health’s College Outreach Program Coordinator, Belle, has just finished explaining the male and female reproductive system and it is now one of the SHAs turn to take the stage. To perform a series of skits to spark a discussion on the importance of communication and decision-making, especially when it comes to sex.

Jonathan begins his skit, “Mary, please, please have sex with me. We have been dating for three months now.”
Mary responds, “But… I’m not ready yet. I don’t want to get pregnant.”
“You won’t. Trust me. Prove that you love me,” Jonathan answers.
Mary tries to close the conversation, “If you really love me, you’ll also respect my decision. I don’t want to ruin both of our futures. This is how much I love you…”

The audience, comprised of Palawan State University students, are laughing and teasing the two that are on stage. By the smiles on their faces, it was clear they were familiar with situations like these. Now they know some ways to deal with them.
After the seminar, Jonathan, came and reflected with our group of SHAs, “Nakakatuwa kung paano nagrespond and mga estudyante. Ang sarap din sa pakiramdam na kahit paano alam mong may naparealize ka sa kanila sa maliit na bagay na ginawa mo.” (“I’m happy with how the students responded. It feels good that somehow you can make them realize that they can decide for themselves, just with the little things you do.”)

Promoting reproductive health among youth is not an easy task, but with the help of these youth reaching out to their peers, the task becomes lighter and more possible.