AHlam Na! 3.0 App Launched to Boost Teen Health

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At the heart of AHlam Na! 3.0 is a simple but powerful idea: meet adolescents online and equip them with the knowledge to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

Launched Friday, June 20, the Commission on Population and Development Region VI, Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development, and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology jointly introduced the app during an event at Sotogrande Hotel, Green Meadows Avenue, Jaro, Iloilo City.

The initiative brought together local leaders, educators, health professionals and media partners to promote youth access to trustworthy, youth-friendly health information.

First introduced in 2018, AHlam Na!—short for Adolescent Health Literacy Advocacy and Mobilization—has grown into more than just an app.

It is now a digital ally for Filipino youth exploring sensitive but vital topics such as reproductive health, mental wellness, nutrition and gender sensitivity.

In his keynote address, CPD Region VI Director Harold Alfred Marshall emphasized the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancy and misinformation through digital platforms.

“Adolescents are not just our future—they are very much part of our present,” Marshall said.

“We lose PHP33 billion annually due to adolescent pregnancy. That’s not just a financial loss—it’s a loss of dreams, aspirations and opportunities.”

Citing the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study, Marshall said many teens lack reliable reproductive and sexual health information despite having smartphones and internet access.

“Their screen is their space, and it’s time we show up in it,” he added.

Dr. Joan Belga, ISUFST vice president for academic affairs, expressed pride in the university’s role in co-developing the app.

“This project reflects our commitment to transform lives not just through formal instruction but through meaningful digital innovations,” Belga said.

She urged continued collaboration among schools, communities and government agencies to ensure no young person is left behind.

AHlam Na! 3.0 is accessible at https://ahlam-na-test.web.app/ and includes features such as updated information on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, an integrated map of youth-friendly health facilities in Western Visayas and offline functionality.

The app also offers interactive games that make often awkward or overlooked topics more relatable and engaging for Gen Z users.

Dr. Jem Laurie Borja, medical officer IV of DOH Western Visayas, affirmed the department’s support for the initiative.

“This app is not just a digital resource—it’s a statement that we prioritize young people’s right to accurate health information and access to services,” Borja said on behalf of DOH Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang.

The relaunch comes at a critical time, as 2021 YAFSS data show that 39% of males and 44% of females ages 15 to 24 lack access to any sex-related learning materials.

The app, a first of its kind in the Philippines, seeks to bridge that gap with content designed for Filipino adolescents’ realities and needs.

ISUFST professor Sol Baldevarona was also recognized for her leadership in the app’s development.

Belga conveyed ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr.’s gratitude, noting the university’s honor in earning the trust of CPD and DOH.

The launch featured a short video on AHlam Na! 3.0 and an open forum with media and community partners voicing support.

The message was clear: improving teen health requires both technology and teamwork.

Participants hoped the app would empower youth to ask questions—whether in classrooms, communities or at home.

Behind the project is a broader goal: advancing access to health, education and equality for all.

As CPD’s Marshall concluded, “Let’s make digital health access a standard, not a privilege.” (Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)