The Mandaue City Council has approved a resolution urging the city government and all Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils to support the creation of a Youth Health Volunteers Program.
The initiative aims to mobilize young people for medical- and health-related community work.
SK Federation President and ex-officio Councilor Fleuritz Gayle Jumao-as, who authored the measure, said the program formalizes the involvement of young medical practitioners and health volunteers during humanitarian crises, public health emergencies, and community outreach activities.
Jumao-as noted that recent calamities, including earthquakes and typhoons, demonstrated the value of young medical interns and students.
“During past disasters, we observed many interns and young medical professionals stepping up to volunteer,” she said in an interview.
She added that even while still studying, many nursing and medical students can assist in basic but essential tasks, such as taking vital signs and checking blood pressure.
“They are very accurate, and many of these tasks do not require a license,” she said.
Jumao-as emphasized the need to strengthen youth involvement in volunteerism, encouraging SK officials to support groups that train and deploy young health volunteers.
“We want all SK councils to also encourage their youth and support organizations that tap them for this kind of work,” she said.
She explained that SK support can help medical organizations and colleges deploy more volunteers, especially for barangay-based activities.
With proper coordination, barangay officials can be informed when volunteers are available to assist in first aid, basic emergency response, and other health tasks.
Jumao-as also acknowledged the limitations of barangay Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), particularly during large-scale emergencies.
“We really need volunteers,” she stressed.
Under the approved resolution, barangays will establish a volunteer network so responders can be mobilized quickly when needed.
She added that even second-year nursing students can participate, noting that medical students already undergo regular hospital exposure and are eager to help.
“Youth are important — they are the most active and they have the time to assist,” she said, adding that students can volunteer on days when they have no classes. (VCL)
