Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental – Young leaders in Ozamiz are taking center stage with the launch of the BRAVE Project (Building Resilient and Aware Voices for Empowerment), a year-long initiative empowering adolescents to become advocates for climate resilience, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and community well-being.
Spearheaded by Jhpiego Philippines and backed by Olivia Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good—a global initiative supporting education, health, and gender equity—BRAVE equips youth with the tools, spaces, and skills to take action on urgent issues in their communities.
In collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Department of Health (DOH), and the Local Government of Ozamiz City, the BRAVE Project brings together schools, government agencies, and communities to create inclusive, safe, and climate-resilient environments where youth are recognized as leaders and changemakers.
The project will work closely with ten public schools under the DepEd Ozamiz City Division in Misamis Occidental, aiming to foster youth leadership and peer-driven initiatives.
Global Star, Local Impact
Olivia Rodrigo, a Grammy Award–winning Filipino-American singer-songwriter and actress—best known for hits like “Drivers License,” “SOUR,” and “GUTS”—sparked the BRAVE Project’s creation. During her GUTS World Tour stop in the Philippines in October 2024, Rodrigo donated proceeds through Fund 4 Good to Jhpiego, turning her global influence into direct support for Filipino youth.
Investing in Youth Potential
“Education is the most powerful tool to empower our young people,” said Arlene Via, Senior Education Program Specialist for Social Mobilization and Networking at DepEd Ozamiz. “Through teen centers and programs that build resilience, we’re not just giving students knowledge—we’re giving them confidence and leadership.”
Under the BRAVE Project, partner schools will set up youth-friendly teen centers offering SRHR education, counseling, and referrals. Students will also take part in resilience workshops, psychosocial support sessions, and climate literacy campaigns—many of which will be peer-led to ensure youth-driven solutions.
The project’s launch event included the “I Am BRAVE” Call to Action, where students, teachers, and partners pledged their commitment to promoting health, resilience, and climate adaptation. A Commitment Signing Ceremony also formalized the support of key stakeholders.
Additionally, the event introduced Jhpiego Philippines’ official Facebook Page, now serving as a hub for resources, updates, and inspiring stories of young leaders creating change.
Youth Voices Rising
“BRAVE started as a vision—today, it becomes reality,” said Dr. Ingrid R. Magnata, Country Program Manager for Jhpiego Philippines. “Thanks to Olivia Rodrigo’s generosity and the strong collaboration with our partners in education, health, and governance, we’re building a movement of youth champions for resilience and well-being.”
For students, BRAVE is more than just a program—it’s a platform for belonging, action, and hope.
“Being part of BRAVE makes me feel that my voice matters—young boys and girls alike,” said John Stephen Pranciliso, a student at Ozamiz City National High School. “We’re learning how to lead, care for our health, protect the environment, and support our classmates through challenges. It shows us that even as teenagers, we can already make a difference.”
Dr. Magnata echoed this spirit of empowerment: “Together, we are building inclusive, safe, and climate-resilient schools and communities.”| – Balikas.net
