The Calbayog Alliance of Peer Educators (CAPE) proudly joined the TrucKabataan: Adolescent Health and Wellness Caravan at San Joaquin National High School and Oquendo Poblacion/Oquendo National High School — a two-day initiative dedicated to bringing youth-friendly health services, education, and empowerment closer to the grassroots.

This caravan, part of the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP), is made possible through the collaboration of UNICEF Philippines, KOICA Philippines, UNFPA Philippines, and the Province of Samar, led by Governor Sharee Ann Tan, with the efforts of PYDO-SIRAK and the Provincial Health Office.

A heartfelt thank you to our mentors — our Ate’s and Kuya’s — for your unwavering guidance and support. We’re also deeply grateful to the LGU Calbayog under the leadership of Mayor Raymund C. Uy; the Calbayog City Health Office through Dr. Sylvia De Guzman and Sir Romeo Ortiz, ADHP Program Manager; the City Youth Development Office through Sir Abicer L. Doroja; and DepEd Calbayog — the very foundation of CAPE — for continuously empowering us to build safe spaces where the youth feel informed, valued, and cared for.

We are equally thankful to the Barangay and SK Officials of San Joaquin and Oquendo Poblacion, the dedicated health workers for their seamless collaboration, and the communities of San Joaquin National High School and Oquendo National High School for warmly opening your doors and hearts to this advocacy. And of course, to our newly trained peer educators, thank you for your passion and commitment. You turned this caravan into more than just an activity; you helped bridge the gap between healthcare and the community, proving that together, we can make access possible.