Upside Down & Forward Again
By  Bea Nathalie Golingan & Sam Anthony Gobuyan
It was a bright summer morning. Beads of sweat formed around her temples as she slowly got out of bed, her vision turning hazy as the world spun around her feet, and her stomach rumbled in a way that could not be quenched by meals or medicine. Her mornings had been like this for months, but the conditions she was facing were not getting any better. In fact, things were about to take a greater turn.
Charmaine got out of bed, the heavy weight she carried in her stomach steadily growing. One that she could not fully grasp the concept of when she first found out. How did things turn out this way after just a swift taste of delicate bliss?
​How did this happen after years of caution and constant reminders from the people around her about the consequences? Above all, how could she communicate the outcome to her parents?
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Pregnant women lining up to avail free consultation services. Used with appreciation to UNFPA Philippines.
Teenage pregnancy has become more rampant in recent years, with factors ranging from the lack of sex education to curiosity influenced by media. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, in 2023, over 3,300 children were born to mothers aged 10 to 14, highlighting the increasing challenges faced by young girls in the country. Additionally, the adolescent fertility rate in the Philippines was reported at 31.9 births per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 in 2023, emphasizing the ongoing struggles related to adolescent pregnancies and the need for better education and healthcare support.
Dread.! This was the only thing she felt in the days following the confirmation of the life growing inside of her. As she walked toward the kitchen to start her day with a meal. Then she washed the dishes, swept the dining floor clean, and finished her schoolwork at her bedside table, the silence in the house grew deafening. Countless thoughts consumed her mind. 
All she could think about was the living thing she had created—and how to stop its existence. “Because of the fear that I’m living with every day, I turned to immoral ways to stop the ongoing problem that I have,” Charmaine admitted, fear flashing in her eyes. “Amoxicillin, mefenamic acid, YouTube videos, myths on the internet--everything I could get my hands on. I was desperate and badly needed a solution.” But despite all this, the pregnancy continued, and as the seasons changed from the humid, hot months into the rainy season, her situation remained the same.  She also expressed her sadness at not telling her parents and the people in her community for fear of being ostracized.
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A teen-age mother breastfeeding her baby. Used with appreciation to the Asia Sentinel 2025.




​Teenage pregnancy, especially in the tight-knit Filipino community, is seen as a mistake, one that becomes the talk of the town. The gossip spreads quickly through eagle-eyed neighbors, and soon, everyone knows. Charmaine felt the weight of this judgment and feared the consequences of sharing the truth.
             
 At last, her baby was welcomed into the world. With its big brown eyes that gazed at the world with wonder and tiny fists that grasped anything they could hold onto, Charmaine’s life took an irreversible turn. She looked at her child’s eyes, seeing the face of someone she wholeheartedly accepted and loved from the moment they met.  “My life turned upside-down,” Charmaine shared. “I’m still in school, and I’m struggling to juggle my responsibilities at home and school, especially now that we’re back to face-to-face classes. Sometimes, I think about quitting school altogether and just focusing on raising my child.”
“But that didn’t stop me from pursuing my goals,” she continued, her voice full of determination. “I may have more to carry now, but I will continue to work hard toward my goal of becoming an accountant, a dream I’ve had for years. I’ve become stronger and more motivated because now, I’m doing this not just for me, but for her as well,” she said, glancing at her baby, now crying despite all her efforts to cradle her to sleep.
Charmaine’s face reflected the exhaustion of sleepless nights, comforting a newborn, longing for milk to quench its hunger. Her shoulders sagged under the weight she now carried, not only as a mother but as a young woman with an invisible burden of financial struggle. The carefree days of hanging out with friends at the park seemed like a distant memory, replaced now with the constant cycle of changing diapers and staying under her home’s roof, caught between motherhood and the pursuit of her dreams.
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Medical care offering in a rural Philippine community.
Voices from all directions urged her to give up, but Charmaine’s fire and passion for learning never dimmed. The Teen Center in Pavia National High School, Iloilo, which offers support and counseling for students facing challenges like hers, has been invaluable. The Center provided talks and resources that helped her navigate this difficult period. The school’s willingness to accept students, regardless of their background, and the efforts of the Rural Health Unit to provide free medical care, have been critical in Charmaine’s journey.
Despite the help she received, a feeling of guilt remained within her. She felt as though she had become an additional burden to her parents, who should now be enjoying a quiet life. She worried about her teachers, who were now involved in her personal struggles, and the community, which was unknowingly affected by her situation. “With this, I don’t aim to say that it’s okay to engage in premarital sex,” Charmaine said, a somber reflection in her eyes. “What I want to convey is to think before acting. Education is something that everyone should prioritize. It’s our gateway to a better future. By focusing on our studies and not giving in to temptations, we can live lives with no regrets.”
                          About the Authors
Bea Nathalie Golingan is a nursing student at West Visayas State University and currently serves as the external co-head of the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines—West Visayas
State University Chapter (SNAP-WVSU). With a strong commitment to health advocacy and community service, Bea has always been passionate about promoting awareness in
health-related issues. Their journey into this field began in senior high school, when they co-wrote a story with their best friend, Sam Anthony Gobuyan, rooted in their shared love for
writing and the community of Pavia. This story fueled their desire to contribute meaningfully to their community by addressing health concerns and spreading awareness.                  Sam Anthony Gobuyan is now studying at the University of the Philippines - Visayas, but their contributions to the story remain integral to its creation. Their shared passion for writing and the community is evident in their collaborative work. Having joined SNAP-WVSU in college, Bea continues to uphold the organization’s core values of volunteerism, leadership, and professional growth. With SNAP-WVSU’s mission to develop socially responsive and community-oriented individuals, Bea has engaged in numerous initiatives focused on community
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Sam Anthony Gobuyan & Bea Nathalie Golingan
​ health education and outreach. Their role as an external co-head has allowed them to work closely with fellow nursing students, guiding them in applying their academic knowledge in real-world health challenges. Beyond their academic pursuits, Bea believes in the power of collaboration, ethical conduct, and service to make a lasting impact in the healthcare field. They are determined to
continue pursuing opportunities that align with their passion for health awareness while fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion in the next generation of nurses. Through their leadership and dedication, Bea is helping to create a healthier, more informed community while preparing themselves for a future in healthcare that is both competent and compassionate.
                                      A student-led initiative for community-based hygiene promotion and disease prevention...
Clean Juan,
Better Juan
By the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines—WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY CHAPTER (SNAP-WVSU)
                                                                                                                                              Project Quotes & Pictures
“Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses… we must be learning all of our lives.” Florence Nightingale’s words still resonate today and continue to show that care does not end in hospitals or stay within limits of time and place. Health often begins in everyday habits such as clean hands, proper hygiene, and access to safe sanitation. In many communities, such as the vulnerable areas in the Philippines, preventable diseases continue to affect marginalized groups not because solutions are lacking, but because access to information, resources, and basic necessities remains uneven.
                  Sanitation and hygiene play a crucial role in protecting public health as simple practices can reduce the spread of infections, yet many children and families still face barriers in maintaining them. Moreover, gaps in knowledge and limited access to supplies make it difficult to turn awareness into daily habits. With that said, community efforts help close that gap by bringing practical education directly to those who need it most.
                   Thus, the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines-West Visayas State University Chapter (SNAP-WVSU), established in 1987, actively engages in initiatives that connect student nurses with real community needs. Through consistent involvement in outreach activities, the organization shows how student driven efforts can create meaningful and lasting impact. The Clean Juan Hygiene Project was developed with that purpose in mind, focusing on practical solutions that address both visible health concerns and their underlying causes.
                    SNAP-WVSU is composed of nursing students who aim to grow both professionally and socially through active participation in community work. Its mission emphasizes unity, development, and the welfare of nursing students, while encouraging them to take part in activities that contribute to public health. Hands-on experiences allow students to apply what they learn in real settings that shape them into future professionals who are aware, responsive and compassionate.
                    The Clean Juan Hygiene Project started from a simple idea that cleanliness plays a major role in health. The name “Clean Juan” combines the phrase “clean one” with a cultural reference to “Juan,” a symbol of the everyday Filipino. In addition, the aforementioned connection makes the project relatable and grounded in local identity wherein the concept carries a clear message that hygiene is both a personal habit and a shared responsibility. The project focuses on promoting proper hygiene practices, preventing communicable diseases, and providing education in ways that are easy to understand and apply.
                   The Clean Juan Hygiene Project was not created out of a single idea, but from repeated experiences in community work. During various outreach activities, a pattern became clear. Many of the health concerns encountered were preventable, often linked to gaps in basic hygiene practices and limited access to health education. Simple conditions, which could have been avoided through early knowledge and proper habits, continued to affect children and families; these observations awakened a realization that focused on foundational health practices, especially at a young age, which could create lasting change.
                     At the same time, the initiative also created an opportunity for student nurses to grow as community engagement allowed them to apply what they had learned in a real setting, practice communication skills, and gain confidence in delivering health education. Learning became more meaningful when shared, and knowledge became more impactful when understood by others. The project gradually took shape as a mutual exchange, where communities gained essential health knowledge while student nurses developed their skills and sense of purpose. Through that shared experience, Clean Juan became an outreach activity and a continuing effort to address preventable health issues at their roots.
                      Children and underserved families became the primary focus since they are more vulnerable to hygiene related illnesses due to limited access to resources and health education. Selection of the community is based on observed needs, particularly gaps in hygiene practices and the lack of basic materials, and addressing these concerns required more than simply handing out supplies because real change depended on interaction, participation, and consistent guidance.
                      With a goal in mind, activities were planned to be both informative and engaging. Topics such as proper handwashing, oral hygiene, and personal care were explained in simple terms that participants could easily follow. Demonstrations showed correct techniques, allowing participants to see and understand each step. Games and role playing encouraged active participation, especially among children. Hygiene kits containing basic items such as soap and toothbrushes were given so participants could immediately apply what they learned. Moreover, each activity showcased that small, consistent habits can lead to better health outcomes over time. Resources were carefully organized through internal efforts and planning, ensuring that the project remained sustainable. Thus, each Clean Juan session focused on specific hygiene topics depending on the identified needs of the community, guided by preparation and research.
                      Planning played an important role in the success of the project. Needs assessment helped identify key concerns within the community, while coordination with local leaders ensured that the program was appropriate and well accepted. Building rapport with community members created a more comfortable environment for participation; during implementation, student nurses and facilitators worked together to deliver a program that followed a clear structure while remaining flexible to adjust based on the participants’ responses.
​                        As a result, changes in knowledge and behavior became noticeable as participants showed increased awareness during discussions and demonstrations. Specifically, improved handwashing techniques reflected that learning had taken place; return demonstrations were encouraged so participants could practice and reinforce their understanding. In a nutshell, preventive habits like these directly support Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health & Well-Being by reducing illness through prevention.
                          Educational aspects of the project also support Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Practical knowledge gained during the outreach allows individuals to make better decisions about their health and information shared within families and communities creates a wider impact, strengthening the value of continuous learning. Student nurses also gained valuable experience from the project. Communication skills improved as they learned to explain concepts in ways that were easy to understand. Leadership skills developed through organizing, coordinating, and facilitating activities.
                         Exposure to real community settings helped them better understand everyday health challenges while strengthening their sense of responsibility and empathy. Challenges were part of the process. Limited resources required careful planning and creative approaches to ensure that activities could still be carried out effectively. Differences in communication sometimes affected how information was comprehended. Also, time and logistical constraints required flexibility and teamwork, turning each obstacle into an opportunity to learn and improve future efforts. Insights gained from the project accentuated the importance of strong community involvement.
                          Trust and cooperation between organizers and participants made the activities more effective. Long term impact requires follow up efforts and continued education to maintain positive practices and future initiatives can benefit from stronger partnerships, better resource planning, and clear evaluation methods. Experiences from the Clean Juan Hygiene Project also show the important role of student led initiatives in public health.
                           Students are capable of creating meaningful change when given the opportunity to work directly with communities. Commitment, teamwork, and thoughtful preparation allow even small projects to produce lasting results. Clean Juan exemplifies that improving health does not always require complex solutions, but rather consistent and genuine effort.
                           Health and dignity are closely connected, especially in communities where resources are limited. Promoting hygiene supports not only physical well being but also confidence and self respect. Every lesson shared, every hygiene kit distributed, and every interaction contributes to building healthier communities.
                           Florence Nightingale’s words continue to hold meaning in efforts like these, where learning is turned into action and care reaches people where it is needed most. Growth in nursing is reflected not only in knowledge gained, but in the lives that are positively affected. SNAP-WVSU continues to create impact through steady and meaningful efforts, proving that change can begin with something as simple as one clean habit at a time.
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These pictures where taken by WVSU members during this project. Children participants’ faces have been masked for required confidentiality.
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The Student Nurses Association of the Philippines – West Visayas State University Chapter (SNAP-WVSU) is one of the long-standing student organizations of West Visayas State University, established in 1987. For decades, the organization has remained committed to promoting volunteerism, leadership, and professional growth among nursing students. Through its initiatives, SNAP-WVSU continues to shape individuals who are not only clinically competent but also socially responsive and community-oriented.             
Rooted in its mission to uphold the welfare of nursing students while promoting educational growth and unity, the organization actively engages in community andextension services. Activities are not confined within the university but are carried out
in various communities, reflecting a strong commitment to reaching populations that
require support in health education and basic care. Through these engagements, members gain valuable experiences that contribute to their
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Members of SNAP WVSU—the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines at West Visayas State University. Their website Image used with appreciation.
development mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. SNAP-WVSU also upholds high standards of ethical and professional conduct, encouraging students to participate in initiatives that broaden their perspectives and strengthen their sense of responsibility. Opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and service allow members to apply their academic knowledge in real-life situations, preparing them for future roles in the healthcare field.
                     Guided by its vision to promote learning, preserve values, and develop productive individuals, the organization continues to create programs that address real community needs. Projects such as the Clean Juan Hygiene Project reflect this commitment by focusing on preventive health education and community empowerment. Through sustained efforts, SNAP-WVSU remains dedicated to  fostering a generation of nurses who are equipped not only with skills and knowledge, but also with compassion and a strong sense of purpose.