Last week, I had the privilege of joining healthcare professionals, educators, and fellow parents at the “Uniting Voices for Adolescent Health” forum, organized by the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines, Inc. (SAMPI).

On paper, it was a gathering to talk about adolescent health. In reality, it felt more like a wake-up call — and a much-needed one.

Why This Conversation Matters

As parents, we often think of “health” as making sure our kids eat right, get enough sleep, and stay active. But adolescence is a whole new chapter — one filled with growth spurts, shifting emotions, evolving independence, and unfortunately, a higher risk of slipping through the cracks of the healthcare system.

The speakers reminded us that teen health isn’t just about yearly check-ups or physical fitness. It’s about mental wellness, emotional support, and creating a safety net that follows them from home to school to the doctor’s clinic.

One line that stuck with me was from Dr. Michelle Anne Noblejas-Mangubat, SAMPI’s President:

“True adolescent health goes beyond checklists — it’s about helping them feel seen, supported, and safe across all areas of their life.”

The Power of Collaboration

We often talk about “it takes a village to raise a child,” but the forum gave that phrase more weight. Hearing from doctors, school health advocates, and even fellow parents emphasized that schools and homes must work hand-in-hand. Schools can be safe spaces for education and early intervention, while parents remain the anchor for guidance, emotional support, and timely healthcare.

Dr. Ma. Emma Alesna-Llanto from the UP Philippine General Hospital said it best — when parents, teachers, and doctors work together, teens are more likely to get “the right guidance and care at the right time.”

A Tool for Prevention: The Teen Vax Record Booklet

One highlight of the event was the launch of the Teen Vax Record Booklet — a simple yet powerful tool to help families keep track of their teen’s vaccinations, monitor schedules, and ensure timely protection against preventable diseases like HPV, meningococcal infections, and hepatitis B.

I personally see this as a game changer. Sometimes, life gets busy, and vaccination schedules can slip through the cracks. This booklet makes it easier to be proactive, not reactive.

What I’m Taking Home as a Parent

• Health isn’t just physical — mental and emotional well-being are equally important.

• Collaboration is key — we can’t do this alone as parents. Schools, doctors, and communities play a big role.

• Prevention matters — a small tool like the Teen Vax Record Booklet can help protect our children for years to come.

SAMPI’s closing words summed it all up perfectly:

Every teen deserves a safe and thriving path to adulthood.

Walking away from the event, I felt more equipped and inspired to advocate for my child’s overall wellness — not just for today, but for the long run.