By Anthony Ian H. Reyes

 

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — Young leaders are being positioned as partners in efforts to prevent substance abuse, promote mental health, and build healthier and more resilient communities as the City of San Fernando Youth Summit 2026 turns health and prevention lessons into concrete youth action.

The second day of the two-day summit on Sept. 12 at the Philippine Navy Northern Luzon Command focused on anti-smoking and anti-vaping initiatives, the effects of substance use, mental health and stress management, and existing programs addressing substance use among young people.

The discussions emphasized that prevention goes beyond simply avoiding illegal drugs.

Participants were encouraged to understand the health and social consequences of substance use, recognize mental health concerns, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and seek professional help when needed.

Doctor Bienvinida Salangad, Medical Officer IV of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (TRC) La Union, said substance use should be addressed not only as a health concern but also in terms of its effects on mental well-being and relationships.

“We must consider that our concern here is not only health,” Salangad said.

She also urged young people to avoid stigmatizing individuals experiencing drug dependence, emphasizing that addiction requires appropriate intervention and support.

Professional assessment and rehabilitation are among the interventions available through TRC La Union and its partner facilities, she said.

For mental health concerns, Doctor Hannah Lyn Bautista, Psychologist III of TRC La Union, encouraged participants to practice intentional self-care, recognize warning signs among peers, and seek professional assistance when necessary.

“Finally, help is here. Finally, we talk about mental health without the stigma,” Bautista said.

The discussions underscored the importance of creating supportive environments where young people can talk about mental health concerns and connect individuals at risk with appropriate support.

For participant Athena Veronica Lacbongan, the summit’s value lies in translating these lessons into youth-led initiatives.

Lacbongan plans to integrate the lessons into the Regional Learners Convergence 2026 and city-based youth activities, including initiatives related to the National Children’s Month celebration in November.

Her commitment reflects the summit’s broader objective of strengthening young people’s role not only as beneficiaries of health and prevention programs but also as advocates and partners in their communities.

“You are not the next; you are the now. Step forward and become. Do it scared, do it unsure,” Lacbongan said.

By bringing together health education, mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, and youth participation, the summit seeks to turn knowledge into action and strengthen the contribution of young people to safer, healthier, and more resilient communities. (AMB/AIHR, PIA Ilocos Region)