Finally, our first Y-PEER Newsletter has come to life.

It contains articles from the activities conducted by our cool member organizations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to show how proactive, dedicated and serious the peer educators are to work with the young people.
HM RG/ JRG AD S

The design and the color are inspired by the unique characteristics of the Filipino youth. It reflects our hip and vibrant personality while it also captures the jovial yet progressive dream for the nation. It is our hope to inspire more young Filipinos, leaders and soon-to-be, to take the great challenge of today and act positively. So enjoy and have a great reading experience!

um me r Ca mp in

Dav a

Whats inside?
Message to Y-PEERians Olongapo Youth Leaders Summer Camp with the JFCs Ifugao Youth Leaders in CCYP Peer Education Training in: Davao Masbate Bohol 2 3 5 5 6 7 8

Comprehensi ve and Coord inated Youth Plans of Ifug ao Province

Feature: LGBT and Emancipation 9 Peer of the Month: Ranulfo Torregoza 11 Photo Gallery of Previous Events 12

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Dear Team Pilipinas, KUDOS! It is with great pleasure that I greet you on our Y-PEER PILINAS Newsletter Vol. 1. Road treaded, stones and rocks overturned, new windows opened and new highways at sight. Last December 2009 we just came to bind for an infant network of Peer Educators in our country. With our dreams and visions, enthusiasm and eagerness, and pledge to carry out those dreams whatever the cost of it. As days turned into almost 1 yr and 6 months of being together, we held on that vision, illuminated with the burning passion from within, we trek the roads of deepened friendship and responsibilities and as we move forward lets bear fruits for our land, let our words as peer educators that depart from our lips become transformative agents of understanding so that all may become empowered young people. As we plant seeds of the future let everyone be mentored and allow no one to be left behind in the race towards our goal.
Anzaira Bondoc Roxas, Focal Point in Charge There are two great days in a persons life the day you were born and the day you discovered why. Nothing is better than knowing Allah or Gods purpose for your life and nothing can compensate for not doing so. May you find the happiness and fulfillment in our Newsletter Vol 1. Read and listen with your heart the strength to fulfill your purpose.

We are the Filipino Youth Peer Educators, and forever we will be. We will never be alone in our battle, lets join our hands to generate hope as One Family, as One Network. I join you in our ups and downs for the past 18 months and for our continuing journey. Lets continue to inspire more in the name of priceless service!

Are you ready for our 10 Days of Activism?

Y-PEER International has just previously launched the 2nd round of 10 Days of Activism (10 DoA). It is not an additional campaign that asks for specific commitments and/or new signature on the table, 10 DoA is a platform of youth organizations and young people from many countries in different regions to raise their voices on youth SRHR needs and remind governments to take action on the issues they have committed. The Philippines, as one of the pioneer Y-PEER country networks in Asia and the Pacific has expressed commitment to join the campaign and has contacted its members who will be active implementers of the global campaign. All the activities that will fall between July 110 will be considered with the culmination on July 11, which falls directly on another important event, the World Population Day.

It is with great hope that everyone will send photos, videos or links of their stories related to 10 Days of Activism in the Philippines. For those who plans to conduct activities on the said date, or for those are interested, please feel free to email anzairabondocroxas_120185@yahoo.com

Olongapo Youth Leaders: What Lies Under the Directors Chair?

The lights are all set. The cameras are starting to roll. But are we all ready for the action?
Our lives are like our own movies we are the directors of our own set of actions, the scriptwriters of our words, the cameramen of our perspectives and the producers of our own virtues. From all of these, we do differ a lot, and each unique of its own, but what matters most is that all of us are living in the same shooting environment. Having had the chance to participate in Olongapos first Youth Congress, I trace my thoughts through some famous lines from epic Filipino movies as we are made aware of relevant issues affecting our society today. And these lines are not just words constructed to form sentences that simply came out from the actors mouths; these lines continuously make marks in the hearts of Filipinos yesterday, today and tomorrow; and these are life-changing lines
Carlo Aquino in Bata, Bata Paano ka ginawa? (1998)

Akala mo lang wala pero meron, meron, meron!

It seems plainly a mother-son argument but behind the seriousness of the film beholds a more serious issue youth empowerment. Being young does not warrant us always to be dependent, and be lazy and ignorant of the issues happening around us. But more importantly, being young gives us an extra boost of power to help mold and develop society. Its not just enough to nod saying Yes maam, Yes sir, but we should rather move! By active participation of the youth to advance social progress, it is then that we realize what greater powers and influences we possess under our palms.
Hilda Koronel from Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (1982)

Once, twice, thrice, gaano ba kadalas ang minsan?

If only the earth could talk, it could have hollered at us endlessly out of anger because of how humanity has degraded the ecosystem. Unfortunately for us, she has her own ways of expressing her wrath through the effects of climate change, extreme natural disasters and cascading calamities. How many times will we be throwing that small candy wrapper on the ground? How long will we remain ignorant of the environments plea? How many times will we be deaf to natures call? Once? Twice? Thrice? Forever? We must not take these things for granted and wait for further disasters just to give us a reason to take action. For so many years we were dependent on earth, and now it is our chance to give back, to show love and take care of our planet in our own personal ways.
Kung saan, kailan at paanong labanan, magsabi ka lang, hindi kita uurungan!
Sharon Cuneta in Dapat Ka bang Mahalin? (1984)

From what I have witnessed as a youth today, looking into the arguments at both sides of the issue a clamor exists from the greater majority to pass the Reproductive Health Bill. I see the fighting spirit of advocates ablaze to support the bill that should have been passed many years ago. This bill provides protection, support, development and progress for the people in the society and will greatly help the economy. The wide cooperation of every sector in the society (the youth, government officials, civic organizations, local communities and all stakeholders) gives me a reason to see an obvious winner in the battle and it goes for the approval of the RH Bill soon!

Cont Olongapo Youth Leaders: What Lies Under the Directors Chair?
Si Val! Si Val! Puro na lang si Val! Si Val na walang malay!
Vilma Santos in Saan nagtatago ang pag-ibig? (1987)

Considerably one of the catchier lines in Philippine cinema, but at the same time what most Filipinos unconsciously perpetuate - blaming each other even the innocent ones when there is something wrong. If theres something wrong in school, we blame the administration. If theres something wrong in your circle of friends, we blame each other. We always try to find someone, anyone or everyone to blame. But have we ever tried looking at the mirror and blame the person staring back at us? Maybe the reason why it is so hard for such improvement is that we always find the negative side of things. Lets try looking at the doughnut rather than the hole on it. Its still your choice, but let me give you an advice, start with yourself.
Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?
Vilma Santos in Sister Stella L. (1984)

Active participation and cooperation from everybody is a must, especially the youth. Voices must be heard. Views must be seen. Feelings must be touched. And words must be said. We can bring change to the fire like salt, be the catalysts of change that we could be. If not today, when? Tomorrow? The next day? What if those days wont come? We have the ability and the skills to contribute, we have always had them but we were just unaware of them, thinking that it is only our Olongapo Youth Congress delegates as they create leaders responsibility and not from the their advocacy shirts symbolizing their active involvemasses. But that perception is wrong. We ment and participation in social development Filipinos are like pebbles, one pebble cannot make a half-filled glass of water flow, but if all the pebbles work for it, the water will reach the surface. And today is the right time to be advocates of change.
Walang himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao! Nasa puso nating lahat!
Nora Aunor in Himala (1982)

The epitome of classic Philippine cinema. In the hearts of the Filipino people, a miracle has been carved in history because of the People Power Revolution of 1986. We have shown the world what Filipinos are really made of, how we could all work together for the democratic agenda and people empowerment. If we did make a miracle happen and became united for a common goal 25 years ago, we can still do it now! Today is not just about the president, the heads, the chairmen or the political leaders, but it is about all of us Filipinos. It is about everybody taking part in the pursuit of sustainable development and social progress! And now the limelight starts to fade, the black curtain falls, the credits roll and applause from the audience is heard. Even if its the end of our films, in our own very ways, we influenced the audience and shared viewpoints which they can use for their own movies. And this calls for another cut
By: Jon Ervir P. Cabiling

Summer Camp with the Japanese-Filipino Children

What better way to enjoy summer than to spend the hot days with your peers to learn new information and skills in fun and productive ways? That is why Batis-YOGHI or Youth Organization that Gives Hope and Inspiration held its summer camp last May 11-15, 2011 at Riverview Resort and Conference Center, Calamba, Laguna. This activity is an annual gathering of Japanese-Filipino Children (JFC) for skills training, educational discussion, team building and recreation. Batis-YOGHI is an organization which serves as a support group for JFCs. The group aims to advance rights and promote their welfare through meaningful involvement in issues concerning migration, child rights and youth participation. This year's theme, Bridging Generations, Linking Knowledge and Skills, Defining Directions: The Batis YOGHI Summer Camp aimed to help the participants identify and know their own strengths and weaknesses through body image exercise, understand love, sex and relationship in the context of changes they undergo as young people and be aware of their concerns as JFCs growing up in the Philippines. New teambuilding activities were introduced but old ones were still a hit just like Lalas Store where participants purchased goodies from play money they get everytime they win in individual or group games . Another fresh addition was the conduct of practical skills training such as "Starting Up a Business" and "Improving Presentation Skills".

Lala Javier lalayjavier@yahoo.com

To sustain organizational progress, they elected new officers; discussed disciplinary issues and membership concerns. Together, they planned for the future activities which everyone was excited about. To uplift team spirit, JFCs set their commitment through the making of origami and held solidarity night which was filled with performances, food and fun. The summer camp ended with the celebration of International Day of Families. Indeed, the activity enhanced the members working relationships, established a stronger sense of organization and team spirit, and started to move together towards greater commitment to realize YOGHIs long-term goals. Surely, all the members of JFC are looking forward to the next summer camp.

The Japanese-Filipino Children with the facilitator, Mario Balibago and Lala Javier, Staff of BATIS-YOGHI.

Ifugaos Youth Leaders Participate in CCYP

"It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark, this quote became prominent during the Comprehensive and Coordinated Youth Development Planning in Ifugao last April 25-27 and May 16-18. The quote embodies the essence of this planning while it speaks of us preparing for the rain while the problems are still not out of hand. The leaders of all youth organizations and the representatives of line agencies in Ifugao such as DOH, DILG, DOLE, and DepEd were invited to participate in this planning. Our task was to identify the major issues and problems of the ifugao youth and to come up with relevant and sustainable interventions that will address and respond to these. It wasn't an easy task. Personally, I find it a very mature thing to do -- to plan for the future of the Ifugao Youth, at least for the next three years, is an overwhelming task but indeed, very fulfilling. With the help of our facilitators from UNFPA Philippines and YPEER Pilipinas, we were able to understand the process that are youth-friendly. At our young age, we were able to participate meaningfully. (see page 8)

Young People: Full Force for Societal Transformation

January Cutin purple_january04@yahoo.com

manifestation of gender bias. Another lecture was given by Mr. Jarred C. Verona, a JR GAD Advocate who discussed issues on Domestic Violence and brief the participants regarding the Anti Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) or R.A. 9262. On the other hand, Ren Ian A. Olalo, a JR GAD Advocate and member of the Youth Peer Education Network (Y-PEER Pilipinas) discussed the facts about the Reproductive Tracts Infections (RTI), Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). He elaborated the myths on transmitting the virus and emphasized the alphabet of prevention and conducted condom demonstration which was enjoyed by the participants. Right after Mr. Olalo, Orvell Z. Carpiano also discussed the issue on the Risky Lifestyle of the young people today including smoking, alcoholic beverages and drug addiction. Frederick Mascardo, MR GAD- JR GAD Project Manager; Carulus Rai Lantion, JR GAD Coordinator; Edgar Tac-an, and Richard Jimenez, MRGAD Staff facilitated the Empathy Exercise for the participants. The discussions were part of the gear up procedure for the newly recognized JR GAD Advocates, fulfilling their rights to know and to participate and made them understand most of the issues they have to know when working in the grassroot. The participants were able to formulate an Annual Action Plan (June 2011- June 2012) tied up with JR GAD and MR GAD Programs. Most of the programs that came out on consolidated plans were re-echo activities on JR GAD Youth Camp, Drug Symposiums, Sex and Gender Discussion, Prevention of RTI: STI, HIV and AIDS seminar and etc. The Program ended with a closing ceremony held at Grand Regal Hotel where the participants were able to present their painting canvas which reflected their personal experience of the youth camp theme, which is also their entry to the painting contest. The winning entry will receive cash, a certificate and will be the 2012 MRGAD- JR GAD calendar design.

Davao City JRGAD Youth Camp held last May 12-15, 2011at Precious Garden Hotel, Miranda, IGACOS.

I feel very blessed for I was able to attend

this kind of youth camp, my personality was improved as well as my knowledge on issues concerning to us, young people said by Ms. Arianne A. Clenuar, SK Chairperson of Barangay Panacan and JR GAD advocate when asked about how she felt to be part of the camp with the theme JR GAD: Young Movers Towards Gender Equality. Arianne is among the 30 chosen youth participants who came from the 15 different Barangay of Davao City. Juniors Responsibilities in Gender And Development (JR GAD) is a pilot program intended for the young people by the Health Management and Research Group Foundation, Inc. (HMRG). It aims to develop young peoples leadership skills especially on issues concerning to gender and development. Many issues and topics were discussed with them as part of the gearing up. One of which is the basic course on Sex and Gender which was discussed by Jan Aldwin T. Cutin, a pioneer peer educator of JR GAD as well as representative of the Youth Peer Education Network (Y-PEER Pilipinas). His lecture was derived basically on the Y-PEER Peer Education Guidelines. He discussed issues on the difference of sex and gender, gender role socialization, how culture affects gender and human sexuality, the socio-cultural implication of having a penis, the four different gender roles, masculinity, patriarchy and the manifestation

It Begins With Hitching Your Wagon to Star

The Province of Masbate is counted as having one the highest incidence of poverty, maternal death and morbidity in the Philippines with political tension and venality continuing to stymy its development. Its youth face many challenges to a good education, decent work and a bright future. Fortunately, theyre not without hope. Seeing the potential of Peer Education as an instrument to empower the youth of Masbate with the information, tools and techniques to prevent and reduce maternal death, teenage pregnancy, STIs/STDs such as HIV & AIDS, the Masbate ARH Task Force conducted a Provincial Training of Trainers of Youth Peer Educators at Rendezvous Beach

Jeross Aguilar jeross.aguilar@gmail.com

The participants learned the theories and concepts behind peer education, practiced and picked up public speaking and facilitation skills, experienced team building and information sharing techniques as well as explored the values and attitudes about sexual and reproductive health and were made aware about issues concerning gender and sexuality and learned the importance of basic concepts of monitoring and evaluation. Finally, the participants designed their own peer education sessions for their communities. This is part of the steps in creating a core group of peer educator for Masbate and soon to be followed by another Provincial Training of Trainers for the 3rd Quarter of 2011. But it wasnt just all work and no play for our participants; they also showcased their talents as playwrights and actors, public speakers, and comedians during their socials night. Knowing they were only a stones throw away from the summer sun and sea, they also haggled with their facilitators for some time to enjoy their youth at the beach. UNFPA PPO, Scheree Herrera and JP-YEM Field Coordinator Joy Tanay also dropped by during the course of the training to get to know the participants and check up on their progress and informing them of the need for committed youth peer educators. The participants, feeling the urgency of the challenges ahead and knowing they now have the tools to aid their peers, promised to help the youth of Masbate. So now theyre busy preparing and revising their training designs and honing their skills, reaching out to their communities and peers and hitching their wagons to a bright future for Masbate.
Synchronization of our activities relating to ASRH is important for a country-wide network. Thus, doing planned, synchronized and productive programs are the real challenge for the Y-PEER, and with that we are surely few steps away towards fulfilling that challenge. ~ Joseph Ian Sabado, ICARE

Resort on May 16 to 20, 2011. This activity was sponsored by the Province of Masbate, UNFPA, AECID and facilitated by Y-PEER Trainers Anzaira Roxas and Jeross Aguilar with the assistance of FPOP Youth Volunteers Julius Paglinawan and Yscyzl Grace Calimotan. 15 youth from UNFPA pilot and expansion areas were selected to become peer education trainers in their communities. Of the 15 trainees were out-of-school youth, theatre arts enthusiasts, Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) members and high school students, providing a wide diversity of experience, skills and sense to the training. Part of their training is to empower and inform them of the youths needs on reproductive health information and services.

Bohol Peer Education Training: A Great Beginning

Aiza F. Baldonado aizawinter@yahoo.com

It also served as an eye-opener for the youth of Bohol who were prepared for the peer education program in their province. In the training, different issues regarding ASRH among youth occurs and the urgency to have Peer Education in the province. Importance for the youth to be involved in educating their coyouth regarding the increase cases of ASRH issues in their places such as drug addiction, HIV cases, teen pregnancy and other risky behaviour. Being one of the top tourist destinations, it is by no surprise that they are also vulnerable to certain risks such as STIs and HIV. Hence, the participants were trained on how to boost their health seeking behaviour. The 3-day training was a success because the enthusiasm and eagerness of the youth were very prominent and the positive attitude towards peer education was very visible. As to one of the participants, Jing said Being part of this training is an honour for me; Ive gain friends and also it serves as learning experience.

Last May 20-22 2011, the UNFPA (Bohol) in cooperation with Philippine National Red Cross (Bohol) and Provincial Health Office of Bohol organized a 3-day Training of Trainers attended by 28 young people mainly composed by the SK officers, Young Nurses, youth volunteers of Teens Health Quarter (THQ) and others from the province of Bohol. The whole training was facilitated by Y-PEER Pilipinas Network led by Feb Ruth Pinos-an of UCMP Baguio, Aiza Baldonado of YPEdRHO and Ms. Emee Lei Albano, Youth Advocate of UNFPA Philippines. The training for peer educators helped the participants to be advocates for the different adolescent and youth Reproductive Health Issues especially on HIV/AIDS on their respective places. Since most were new to the peer education, various interactive activities filled the learning sessions, as well as discussions and sharing of opinions and experiences, levelling ground of knowledge and behaviour, and understanding of the concept of stigma and discrimination among PLWHIV and other marginalize and vulnerable groups.

Cont (p. 5 Ifugaos Youth Leaders Participate in CCYP

Jonna Lintao jonna.lintao@yahoo.com

The activity empowers us youth to be more involved in the activities of the society especially that the planning was about the welfare of young people in Ifugao. We are now on the last part of the planning workshop but we will make sure that young people will have a voice and action towards the development of the comprehensive plans for education, health, employment and participation, hence, paving the way for our future while honing the youth leaders of our province who are ready just in case it rains.

Flores de Mayo and Emancipation

Flores De Mayo for many Filipinos is the celebration of beauty and faith every May. It is in fact, a testament of our long tradition of religiosity (but not equal to spirituality) mixed up with the locals fondness to adore physical beauty. Lasting for a month, it is hold in honor of the Virgin Mary. One of the highlights is the Santacruzan which refers to the pageant on the last day of Flores de Mayo, held in honour of Reyna Elena and Constantine finding the True Cross in Jerusalem. Because of these reasons, one should not wonder why, up until now, this celebration has become one of the favorites among other festivities for Filipinos. This led for advocates like us to find another venue to inform the people about the controversial RH bill. This time, not in a rally in front of the Congress but along the busy streets in Quezon City. With much hope to get more thinking heads who could debate in favor of the bill, and to show support as well to LGBT community, the team planned of participating in. Little did I know that this suggestion will be taken seriously and soon the group decided to join. Much to our surprise was the decision to represent the group in LGBT Santacruzan which I never thought will happen in my life, ever! Experience in LGBT Flores De Mayo May 29, it was raining the whole day which gave a put off impression to the event. But the universe conspired and the rain suddenly stopped, and so were back in preparing our stuff. We decided to work around the theme: Purple Ribbon Loves the Red which significantly reminded us to carry on the HIV issues, not as a separate concern, in advocating for RH Bill. For a change in aura and of course to blend well in the event, we emphasized to the mobilized youth present during the preparation and who joined the parade to put glamour in their outfit using the remaining flower decors. In an instant, they were all made up, fancy and beautiful; fair enough and totally complementary to us.

When we arrived, all eyes were all around us, giving a different feeling especially on me because of my blonde hair, fishnet stockings and soccer shoes. Yes, shocker shoes. Neil, the consorte as well as Lady wore rubber shoes, too. While Kiko came out as a surprise like a fallen angel proud in his 6-pack abdomen. Twas perfectly different from all those who were there who came all draped and adorn with elegant gowns. And so the parade started Across the streets of Quezon City, we ramped as if it was our first time, moved around with the arch above us, trod the well-and-poor-paved ways while the pack of supporters were chanting Reproductive Health Bill, Ipasa, Ipasa, Now Na! (Pass the RH Bill Now). Aside from our looks, we got the peoples attention, thanks be to the halogen lights which magnified either our beauty (or aggravate our shame). It wasnt a surprise when some started questioning our identity, made fuzz out of Ladys femaleness as well as to my gayness ( I heard people say that I pretend to be a gay because of the way I stood up). It was in the middle of parade when I started to feel that some pay respect, others bully, and most indifferent.

Cont Flores de Mayo and Emancipation

Many times, I would stop for a while, as the numbness of our feet was creeping up in my thigh, making me hard to continue walking. Then I realized that the LGBT Santacruzan is not just about our RH Bill advocacy nor another gayish activity. It is actually an activism ~ to the community for tolerating discrimination and to some extent denying our existence, to the church for not accepting us equal and for our brethren who are fighting against the dreadful AIDS. Delving Deeper When asked about his reflection about the event, Neil Lumibao said para sa akin, namulat ang aking isipan sa pantay na pagtingin sa mga kapatid natin na nabibilang sa Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer at Intersex o LGBTQI. Nakita ko rin na ang sagala ay hindi lamang para sa mga kababaihan, kundi para sa lahat (For me, I became aware of the equal treatment for people belonging to LGBTQI community. I also realized that Santacruzan is not only for women but its for all). He also added that the parade should not be restricted to them. The sight of the people belonging to LGBTQI community was a relief. I know for sure that I (truly) belong to the group yet there is a part of me feeling I am not. Was it the blonde hair? Was it the soccer shoes? No, but I think the way I (over)look at them and how I (mis) understand the myriad of their issues. As an advocate, I admit that I am not yet equipped. My defenses are already set too high that I needed to guard every time I am surrounded by them (to have 3 or more of them around me increases the alert level). Furthermore, the sagala is a realization of how people look at us when we morphed at night. When you look at us, what lenses do you use? Are we seen fairly? Or people are preoccupied by searching for our difference, queerness, gentleness or even capacity? How are we, largely, being valued in the society? Whenever the issue is pointed to acceptance, I would always remember what Dalai Lama said: when I look at people, I see people. Perhaps that is the real message. Happy Thought If there is one thing I should be proud of, that

Mario B. Balibago mariob.balibago@yahoo.com

10

Youth advocates as they demand for ARH education and call for the passage of RH Bill

is my realization that I am already embracing another aspect or part of me which I and others might are fully aware of, but I am not totally claiming. Now, I felt more proud to be gay. And I love this new thing I have learned. Luckily, Neil, our friend and a fellow advocates participation, whose realization transgresses into my gay soul affirmed this for me. He said ang tunay na lalaki ay sumusuporta sa LGBTQI community dahil naniniwala ako na tayo ay may pantay-pantay na karapatan at dapat itong irespeto, tanggapin at tingnan ng pantay pantay. I hope that there would be more Neil, who will respect, accept, love and treat us equally. Much from this event, I agree with Neils message for the LGBTQI, that we should not be ashamed of our orientation. As to the movie X-MEN First Class, we are mutant and proud. We are different, but we don't have to (try hard to) fit in this society. The society should be inspired to be like us ~ gay, happy, healthy and hot! Given this, we X-MEN should work to improve our status, and one of the things we can advocate for is about the fight against LGBT Hate Crime. While still many believe that the way to prove hate crime exists in the Philippines, the glaring fact should help us all to rethink. According to the FB group page about LGBT Hate Crime, as of June 7, [the year] 2011 is a dangerous year for LGBTs, with more than 24 cases of killings already documented. Given the rising trend of murders, the fact that the murdered belong to a minority group, and the fact that they were murdered in brutal fashions, it can be assumed they were victims of hate-motivated murder. This is unacceptable and this calls for immediate action.

11

PEER OF THE MONTH

The first Filipino who became the Y-PEER International peer of the month shows how peer education and a passion for advocacy can help in gaining respect for stigmatized communities. Meet Ranulfo Torregoza from the Philippines. Ranulfo, who is known among fellow peer educators as Mitch, is a member of a non governmental organization (NGO) called GAYON, which literally means beautiful in the native language. Mitch started as a peer educator since 2005, among the pioneer members of Y-PEER Philippines, when it was pilot-tested in the Asia and Pacific region. Being a member of the lesbian, gay, bi or transgendered (LGBT) group, this 23-year-old peer educator has helped raise awareness and respect for an often stigmatized portion of the population. Through various innovative educational and social awareness activities in their province, local members of the LGBT community are now being consulted by the government and civil society as partners for implementing activities in their province. These activities have ranged from street beautification, organizing festivals, conducting humanitarian response efforts for victims of natural disasters, as well as many others. Mitch and her organization make use of these opportunities to integrate peer education and contribute to the community. After attending the training organized by Y-PEER Pilipinas and UNFPA, they organized roll out trainings in the street and within the community, winning respect and trust from their target population. As a person with a great heart for the LGBT group, Mitch pushes for the anti-discrimination and stigma campaign for LGBT issues. She also encourages other lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people to join Y-PEER and become peer educators. As a Y-PEER member, she has contributed a lot especially in terms of sharing their best practices to the other members of the network. Her activities include gay beauty competitions with adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) awareness, free-served coffee party to encourage young people to watch educational movies about STIs, including HIV/AIDS and other issues.

Anzaira B. Roxas anzairabondocroxas_120185@yahoo.com

As well, she has organized outreach activities with general population, including parents, and has motivated attendance to peer education sessions by offering free haircuts to those who attend. Mitch also provided referrals to access youth friendly services, and was able to find local partners to make it successful. When asked why she continuously does such activities without anything in return, she just smiled and said I just love doing things to help young people. It doesnt matter whether its small or big, what matters is that we were able to help. She added that she doesnt find to be an obligation, but rather that her love and care for young people pushes her to work harder. That is the reason why more young people look up to her and admire her simplicity. She has touched so many lives and continuously makes a difference in the community. Mitch is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. On her free time she likes to cook while dancing and singing. For her, tough times never last, but tough peer educators do! Truly, this person is not only the source of happiness of the group, but also of practical knowledge. She is a model of patience and beauty, both inside and out, and has earned her title of Peer of the Month several times over. Thank you, Mitch, for all your contributions to Y-PEER and the larger community.

Members, focal points and friends of Y-PEER Pilipinas took part in various exciting and meaningful activities between March-May 2011. Most of which are peer education roll out in Aklan, Bohol, Ifugao, Masbate, Baguio and Olongapo, attending meetings to various stakeholders, mobilizing youth to march with the Youth Consortium for the Passage of RH Bill, and providing technical assistance to other groups..