Taking care of yourself this Valentine's day and beyond

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Making responsible choices, especially concerning your future, is crucial.

This is particularly true when it comes to sexual activity, which can have significant physical, emotional, and legal implications for teens. Prioritizing safety, consent, and clear communication is essential in any situation involving sexual activity.

The recent study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) offers valuable insights.

Their Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5), known as the most comprehensive source of information on young people's sexual and reproductive health, found a significant decline in teenage pregnancy rates.

The proportion of young women aged 15-19 who have begun childbearing dropped sharply from 13.7 percent in 2013 to 6.8 percent in 2021.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) suggests this positive trend could be partly due to the government's sustained efforts, alongside civil society and development partners, to reduce and prevent adolescent pregnancies. These efforts likely involved education, awareness campaigns, and improved access to reproductive health services.

This decline highlights the effectiveness of responsible decision-making and access to information. Choosing to delay sexual activity allows young people to focus on their education, personal development, and future goals. Additionally, understanding consent and practicing safe sex are crucial for protecting physical and emotional well-being.

Remember, making informed choices empowers you to build a brighter future for yourself. Always prioritize your safety and well-being when making decisions about your sexual health.

While teenage pregnancy rates have declined, thanks to factors like reduced premarital sex and better contraceptive use, a worrying trend has emerged: an increase in live births among very young adolescents, especially 10-14 year olds, according to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and Civil Registry and Vital Statistics (CRVS) data.

This calls for heightened vigilance, particularly as Valentine's Day approaches. This holiday can fuel curiosity among young people, leading some to believe it's a time defined by romantic gestures, potentially leading to risky sexual behavior and early pregnancy.

To navigate this season and beyond safely, remember these crucial points:

1. Love doesn't require sexual activity: True love and affection can be expressed in many ways, without the pressure to engage in sex.

2. Consent is key (walang pilitan): Always ensure both partners have clear and enthusiastic consent before any sexual activity. Open and honest communication with your partner is crucial. Discuss boundaries, desires, and expectations beforehand to ensure that you both feel comfortable and respected. Consent is non-negotiable

3. Prioritize your safety and well-being: Don't feel pressured to engage in activities that make you uncomfortable or unsafe.

4. Protect yourself (matutong magbasa-basa at magtanong): Educate yourself about safe sex practices and use reliable contraception, if applicable.

5. Consider emotional readiness (ready ka na ba talaga?): Sexuality is not just physical; it involves emotional intimacy as well. Make sure you and your partner are emotionally ready for the potential consequences of sexual activity, such as feelings of attachment or regret.

6. Use protection (dapat protektado ka): If you decide to have sex, always use protection to prevent unwanted pregnancy and reduce the risk of STIs. Condoms are highly effective when used correctly and consistently.

7. Avoid pressure (huwag mo munang isuko ang Bataan kung kinakailangan):

Never feel pressured into sexual activity by your partner or anyone else. It's okay to say no, and your boundaries should always be respected.

8. Get tested (huwag mahiya at magpa-test): If you've been sexually active before or plan to be, consider getting tested for STIs regularly, even if you don't have any symptoms. Many STIs can be asymptomatic but still pose health risks.

9. Know the legal implications (may mga batas ukol rito): Be aware of the legal age of consent in your area and understand the potential legal consequences of engaging in sexual activity with someone under the age of consent.

10. Plan ahead (anong balak mo?): If you anticipate being sexually active, make a plan for contraception and protection beforehand. Keep condoms or other contraceptives on hand and know how to use them correctly.

11. Seek support and guidance (makinig sa mga payo): If you have questions or concerns about sex, relationships, or sexual health, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a trusted adult, healthcare provider, or a reputable source of information.

Remember, your well-being is paramount. Celebrate Valentine's Day and other occasions in a way that respects yourself and others. Make responsible choices that prioritize your safety and future.

Remember, sexual activity is a significant decision that should be made thoughtfully and responsibly. Your health, safety, and well-being should always be the top priority. If you're unsure or uncomfortable, it's okay to wait until you feel more confident and prepared.

PLDT Global, U.S.-based Next Generation Advanced 911 bring advanced emergency communications system to PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global) is enabling United States-based technology solutions provider Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) to help boost emergency response systems in the Philippines with advanced technology, delivered through the nationwide PLDT network infrastructure. PLDT Global is the international unit of PLDT Inc. 

Under the partnership, NGA 911 will be able to provide its NG9-1-1 solution to Philippine customers like LGUs and public safety teams. NG9-1-1 is an IP-based emergency communications system that aims to improve emergency response by enabling callers to send text, photos, and videos to 911 centers, as well as receive real-time data on the location and status of responders. With NG9-1-1, responders can gain access to precise and comprehensive information regarding emergency situations, leading to expedited and enhanced response capabilities.

"We are excited to partner with PLDT Global to bring the NG9-1-1 platform to the Philippines,” says Don Ferguson, CEO of NGA 911. “NG9-1-1 will transform the practice of emergency communications and response in the Philippines. We have delivered this solution to public safety agencies across the United States. Soon, Philippine customers can gain access to NGA 911’s advanced emergency communication technologies that are currently only available in the United States. We look forward to working with PLDT Global to make this a reality.”

“With PLDT’s extensive network and digital expertise, we hope to make this technology accessible to Filipinos and create an opportunity for the Philippines to be a 911 hub in Asia,” says Roselle Dela Cruz, Vice President - Americas and EMEA of PLDT Global.

Apart from servicing the needs of overseas Filipinos, PLDT Global is also committed to bringing international solutions to the Philippines. This opens more opportunities for the country to deliver the technology needs of the global market, by leveraging on the PLDT group’s digital infrastructure.

"We are here to provide innovative platforms to our global network of carriers and enterprise customers, linking them to potential clients who might need their services not only overseas, but also in the Philippines. Through this partnership, we hope to deliver world-class next-generation 911 services to local public safety agencies and emergency responders,” says Albert Villa-Real, PLDT Global President and CEO. 

This PLDT Global initiative contributes to PLDT’s broader goal of enabling the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and boosting its ambition to become the hyperscaler hub of the region and a key destination for digital transformation and investment. For more information, visit www.nga911.ph

Embracing Deoproce's New Era of "Skincare Beyond Compare" with Liza Soberano as brand ambassador

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Deoproce Philippines is reaching new heights with its latest tagline, “Skincare Beyond Compare”.

A well-known Korean skincare brand in the Philippines, Deoproce, is embracing the dawn of the new year with a transformative journey into its refreshed identity. While retaining its time-tested formulas and natural ingredients, Deoproce is committing to skincare education that ushers in an experience surpassing the ordinary. 

Skincare Beyond Compare encapsulates the brand’s initiative to transcend beyond the conventional boundaries of skincare and empower individuals to make informed choices about their skincare routine.

Amidst a multitude of local skincare brands that have emerged in the last few years, Deoproce stands out by going above and beyond to acquire the latest techniques, cutting-edge technologies, and the rarest ingredients nature has to offer. This commitment ensures that Deoproce addresses diverse skin concerns with precision and efficacy. 

Alongside its official local distributorship, ZFace Inc., Deoproce not only promises better-than-ever results but underscores its supremacy through a fusion of proven testaments and groundbreaking achievements.

Deoproce's skincare offerings lie in an array of meticulously crafted collections, each designed to cater to diverse skin needs and concerns.

Deoproce features several skincare collections such as the Snail Recovery Line which focuses on improving skin hydration and combating signs of aging, and the Green Caviar Line which offers skin moisturization and eliminates acne, cellulite, and wrinkles. Complementing these are other notable skincare lines including Snail Galactox, Skin Reveal, Core Firming, Aloe Vera, Body Serum, and Sun Care.

There is always a Deoproce solution for every skincare concern. Deoproce encourages you to indulge in a personalized exploration of skincare that goes beyond the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary. Let Deoproce invite you to rediscover the familiar in an entirely new and remarkable light.

Know more about Deoproce Philippines.

Get the latest updates on their skincare collection on their respective social media accounts.

Deoproce Philippines Facebook Deoproce Philippines

Deoproce Philippines Instagram @deoproce.ph

Deoproce Philippines Tiktok @deoproce.ph

Deoproce Philippines X @deoproce