Youth Volunteers Transform Valentine's Day into a Lesson on Consent and Protection in Davao City
On February 14, 2026, youth volunteers in Davao City reimagined Valentine's Day by launching the "FreeLoveHugs – Valentine’s Edition" campaign, turning the celebration of love into an educational initiative focused on consent and protection. The campaign reached key public areas across the city, engaging young people with vital discussions and resources.
Campaign Outreach and Activities
Members of Kabataang FPOP Davao kicked off the event at the FPOP Clinic before moving to San Pedro Square and other downtown locations. Volunteers distributed flyers, held short discussions, and provided free condoms as part of their advocacy for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The campaign covered more than four public spots, including areas near KFC in front of Davao Doctors Hospital, Gaisano South, People’s Park, and in front of Davao City Hall.
At these sites, volunteers spoke with passersby about safe and responsible expressions of love, emphasizing the importance of informed choices. Jey Macalawa, Chapter Chairperson, highlighted the initiative's focus on youth empowerment, stating, "Kabataang FPOP wants to put youth at the center of this initiative, especially those with limited background on sexual and reproductive health. The highlight of this event is really the youth. We want to spread awareness and give them proper knowledge about love, consent, boundaries, and protection so they can make responsible choices."
Impact and Volunteer Insights
During the campaign, volunteers handed out over 200 condoms and conducted brief talks on topics such as teenage pregnancy prevention, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections. Melchiah Elias, a volunteer, shared her motivation for participating, saying, "We love love, but we should love responsibly. The youth are naturally curious, so it is important to guide them and promote safety." Her passion for youth health education drove her involvement in the event.
Organizers noted that the peer-to-peer approach was particularly effective, as most volunteers are aged 16 to 20, allowing young participants to ask questions comfortably and without fear of judgment. This strategy fostered open dialogue and increased engagement among the youth demographic.
The "FreeLoveHugs – Valentine’s Edition" campaign successfully blended celebration with education, promoting a message of responsible love and health awareness in Davao City. By leveraging Valentine's Day as a platform, the initiative reached a wide audience and underscored the critical need for youth-focused sexual health advocacy.
