08/05/2024
On May 7, 2024, between 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM, Patnanungan National High School hosted a training session on Peer Health Navigators, coordinated by the ๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ข๐จ๐ฌ๐ค (๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ) advisers and officers. The workshop garnered active participation from all class presidents and vice-presidents, covering grades 7 to 12. In the initial segment of the training, Nurse Clarissa B. Ladignon introduced the concept of peer health navigation, discussing the IChoose campaign by DOH, DepEd, and POPCOM. This campaign emphasized making informed, healthy choices and having autonomy in decision-making regarding personal health. Participants gained insights into the importance of such autonomy and the role of peer health navigators in aiding individuals and friends in making these choices. Under the leadership of Nurse Clarissa B. Ladignon, SHS Nurse, and Nurse Jovert S. Espanola, District Nurse, the workshop aimed to furnish participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively assist individuals confronting diverse challenges within the community. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants explored peer influence, bolstered their own influence, practiced supportive techniques, honed communication abilities, and delineated the qualities of an effective peer navigator. The outcome was promising, with participants attaining a deeper comprehension of their role as influencers, honing their communication skills, and reaching a consensus on the necessary attributes for successful peer navigation. The workshop concluded with participants feeling empowered to positively impact the health and well-being of their community. Recommendations for subsequent sessions were proposed to solidify learning and integrate peer navigation initiatives into broader school health and wellness programs. Overall, the workshop was hailed as a success, attributed to the enthusiastic participation of all attendees and the expert guidance of the facilitators.