Parañaque City Government Holds Health and Wellness Festival for Youth
Parañaque City, Philippines – As part of the week-long birthday celebration of Mayor Eric Olivarez, the Parañaque City government organized a health and wellness festival for the city’s youth on Monday, Oct. 3. The event aimed to address the issues of gender discrimination, mental health, and responsible social media use among young individuals.
The festival, held at the Parañaque City Sports Complex in Barangay San Antonio, saw the participation of around 500 youth from various barangays in the city. Mayor Olivarez stressed the importance of educating the youth about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental health, and the responsible use of social media.
According to the City Health Office, headed by Dr. Olga Virtusio, the wellness festival holds great significance due to the increasing number of young individuals suffering from gender discrimination, depression, and other related issues. These problems highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the challenges faced by the youth.
During the festival, Mayor Olivarez shared his personal experience of being bullied and encouraged the participants not to hesitate in seeking help from their families, relatives, or close friends. He emphasized that sharing their experiences and seeking support is crucial in overcoming such challenges.
In addition to the informational sessions, the festival also provided booths where attendees could receive free mental health consultations and vitamins. These initiatives aimed to promote physical and mental well-being among the city’s youth.
Through this health and wellness festival, the Parañaque City government demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of the city’s youth, recognizing the importance of addressing their unique challenges in today’s society.
