In celebration of Adolescent Immunization Month, the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines, Inc. (SAMPI) brought together healthcare professionals, advocates for a timely forum titled “Uniting Voices for Adolescent Health.”

The event underscored the urgent need to support adolescent wellness through a more integrated and proactive approach, addressing not only physical health, but also mental well-being, preventive care, and cross-sector collaboration.

Adolescence is a pivotal yet underserved stage of development. While teens experience rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, many fall through the cracks in the healthcare system due to inconsistent wellness visits, lack of awareness, and poor access to supportive services. SAMPI is working to shift this narrative by promoting a culture of prevention, early intervention, and collective responsibility.

“Teens are often expected to take on more independence, yet we don’t always equip them with the care and attention they need to thrive,” said Dr. Michelle Anne Noblejas-Mangubat, President of SAMPI. “True adolescent health goes beyond checklists, it’s about helping them feel seen, supported, and safe across all areas of their life.”

A Call to Collaboration Across Sectors

Keynote speaker Dr. Ma. Emma Alesna-Llanto of the UP Philippine General Hospital emphasized that adolescent health should not be siloed within the clinic.

“We need to bring health discussions into homes and classrooms,” she said. “When parents, teachers, and doctors work together, teens are more likely to receive the right guidance and care at the right time.”

Dr. Vanessa-Maria Torres-Ticzon, President of the Philippine Society for Adolescent Medicine Specialists, highlighted the importance of routine wellness conversations during teen checkups, not just for physical health, but also for discussing risk behaviors, mental health, and overall development. “Every consultation is an opportunity to listen, educate, and protect,” she said.

The forum’s panel discussion, which featured representatives from the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Philippine Academy of Physicians in School Health, Inc., and a mom influencer, further echoed the importance of building a unified front to advance adolescent wellness.

Schools were spotlighted as trusted, accessible venues for health education and service delivery, while parents were reminded that their engagement remains central to a teen’s health journey.

Vaccination as a Vital Part of Prevention

While the discussion emphasized the broader dimensions of teen health, the forum also reinforced that routine adolescent vaccination remains a cornerstone of preventive care. Immunization protects teens from serious diseases such as human papillomavirus or HPV, meningococcal infections, hepatitis B, influenza, and more. Yet many adolescents miss their recommended vaccines due to limited access or lack of tracking mechanisms.

During the event SAMPI launched the Teen Vax Record Booklet. This easy-to-use tool helps families monitor their child’s vaccination schedule, track doses, and ensure timely protection throughout adolescence.

“Protecting our teens starts long before illness strikes, it begins with prevention,” said Dr. Noblejas-Mangubat. “The Teen Vax Record Booklet empowers families with something practical and powerful. It’s a reminder that every small action counts toward long-term health.”

By bridging access gaps and reinforcing vaccine confidence, SAMPI and its partners hope to make preventive care more routine and more reliable, for every Filipino teen, regardless of background.

A Commitment to Healthier Futures

The event concluded with a unified call for stronger partnerships across healthcare, education, and family life.

“We commit to protecting the health of Filipino adolescents, through education, prevention, and timely care. With tools like the Teen Vax Record Booklet, we guide families in tracking their child’s protection and wellness journey. Together, we stand for healthier futures.”

SAMPI continues to lead efforts to ensure that adolescent health is recognized, prioritized, and supported, because every teen deserves a safe and thriving path to adulthood