Mindanaotoday.com | PLDT, Smart back Cagayan de Oro youth development initiatives
SUPPORTING the city government of Cagayan de Oro’s ongoing endeavors in youth development, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have teamed up with the Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO) to increase awareness about mental health. During the month-long celebration of Oro Youth Month, OYDO organized activities for youth groups to help break the stigma surrounding mental health.
“Digital wellness is one of the key advocacies of PLDT and Smart, and we have been working with like-minded organizations to help foster a culture of kindness and empathy – both online and offline. We are very happy to support the Oro Youth Development Office in their efforts to help empower young leaders and inspire them to become better today,” said Judee Chaves, PLDT and Smart Mindanao Relations Head.
Through its Better Today program, PLDT and Smart brought in Linya-Linya co-founder Ali Sanggalang, for a content creation workshop to help upskill mental health advocates with essential expertise for their digital campaign. The telco also sponsored the mental health training and self-care orientation, spearheaded by OYDO and the United States Agency for International Development, teaching young leaders how to provide mental health assistance to others in need.
OYDO’s Youth Development Officer AJ Obenza said, “Given the concerning increase in mental health cases in the city, the local government has been actively enhancing its mental health initiatives. The mental health trainings organized by OYDO will empower organizations and youth leaders to become advocates in their communities and schools.”
“We thank Smart and other partners who have helped us in the pursuit of youth development. We are doing this to assure the Kagay-anon youth that we will always be here to serve them,” he added.
These efforts are part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly UNSDG #3 that stands for good health and well-being. (PR)
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