MABINI, Batangas—With the aim of raising awareness about women’s rights and reproductive health among the youth, PNOC kicked off its 2025 National Women’s Month with an outreach program at Anselmo A. Sandoval Memorial National High School (ASMNHS) on March 12, 2025.
Led by PNOC Senior Vice President for Energy Business and PNOC Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee Member Atty. Graciela M. Barleta, the event, “Ingatan ang Kinabukasan, Maagang Pagbubuntis Iwasan”, brought together 44 employees from the head office, including members of the GFPS Technical Working Group, as well as employees from the Energy Supply Base in Batangas.
PNOC was welcomed by ASMNHS Principal Mr. Wilfredo M. Dakila, who emphasized the importance of the outreach program not only for the future of the students but also for the future of the nation.
A total of 100 Grade 9, 10, and 11 students of ASMNHS actively participated in the program, where Ms. Lourdes Paulita Aldovino from the Mabini Reproductive Health Unit of Batangas discussed Republic Act 8910, also known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill. She presented statistics on early pregnancy in their locality and explained its impact on individuals, the community, and the economy as a whole.
The discussion was followed by Atty. Reynilda Cabahug-De Leon from the PNOC Office of the General Counsel, who highlighted the importance of knowing one’s legal rights and protections under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. The participants’ learnings were tested through a question-and-answer segment after the discussions.
In her closing remarks, Atty. Barleta emphasized the role of each participant in sparking conversations about reproductive health and legal protections for both women and men. She also reiterated PNOC’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity, ensuring that no woman—no young girl—is left behind in the journey toward equal opportunities and empowerment.
The outreach program is part of PNOC’s scheduled activities for the 2025 National Women’s Month.
