Ole, L. C. C. (2014). Institutionalizing an adolescent health and youth development program to promote STI and HIV/AIDS awareness in DAPA, Surigao Del Norte (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management Health Systems and Development Batch 4 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

According to the World Health Organization, more than a million people were estimated to acquire Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) yearly. Within this spectrum, the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic is one of the world's most significant current public health and development crises. Unlike in other parts of the world, the AIDS epidemic in the Philippines has been growing rapidly. According to United Nations Population Fund ACtivity (UNFPA) young people are key to the future course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The behaviours they adopt now and those they maintain throughout their lives will determine the course of the epidemic for decadedes to come. In this regard, the study aims to determine the current status of STI in the Municipality. It also assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception of youth on STI, HIV and AIDS. Finally, an advocacy program was created to prevent among the youth. A document review and key informant interview of key health personnel was employed. The knowledge, attitude, perception and practice of adolescents regarding STI, AIDS and HIV were also assess through a purposive self-administered questionnaire survey among the 4th year high schools of Dapa, Surigao del Norte. It was found out that the current situation of STD in Dapa showed a congruent STI trends of CARAGA. In Dapa, HIV cases have been increasing as well as positivity rate in gonoccocal and Hepatitis B infection. It is risky behaviors and unprotected sexual practices that points to the high rate of STI infection in the municipality as well as the country. Results showed a really medium- high incorrect knowledge of HIV transmission however data showed that high school students have a high knowledge on the prevention of HIV. A forty percent (40%) of youth respondents still believe that AIDS is curable. This showed a high vulnerability of the population in terms of STD due to low awareness. Finally, representatives from other concerned agencies and non-government organizations were organized into a Dapa Local AIDS Council (DLAC). The council members were engaged in a focus group discussion in order to craft an enhanced policy which was submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan as well as proposed institutionalization of the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program and establish the Dapa Youth and Wellness Center to address the gaps noted. The suggested strategies vary from increasing awareness, availability of commodities, youth-friendly health center improvement and services as well as human resource capability-building. The suggested strategies were implemented through multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration. Hence through the Dapa Local AIDS Council (DLAC) the institutionalization of the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program was pushed through as well as the establishment of the Dapa Youth Wellness Center.