September 10, 2025 — Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental – The BRAVE Project (Building Resilient and Aware Voices for Empowerment) was officially launched today at Ozamiz City National High School, marking the start of a year-long initiative that puts young people at the forefront of resilience-building, climate adaptation, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Implemented by Jhpiego Philippines with support from Olivia Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good, a global initiative committed to building an equitable and just future for women and girls, BRAVE provides adolescents and youth with safe spaces, skills, and knowledge to strengthen their leadership and empower them to respond to health and climate challenges.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Department of Health (DOH), and the Local Government of Ozamiz City, BRAVE fosters strong collaboration among schools, government agencies, and communities. The initiative envisions inclusive, safe, and climate-resilient schools where young people are recognized as leaders and advocates. The project will work closely with ten partner schools under the DepEd Ozamiz City Division in the province of Misamis Occidental.

Olivia Rodrigo is a Grammy Award–winning Filipino-American singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her record-breaking debut single, “Drivers License,” and hit albums SOUR and GUTS. Through the Fund 4 Good, Rodrigo supports initiatives worldwide that promote girls’ education, reproductive health, and women’s empowerment.

The BRAVE Project traces its roots to October 2024, when Rodrigo came to the Philippines for her GUTS World Tour concert and generously donated the proceeds to Jhpiego through her Fund 4 Good initiative, making the project possible.

“Education is the most powerful tool to empower our young people,” said Arlene Via, Senior Education Program Specialist for Social Mobilization and Networking of DepEd Ozamiz City Division. “By investing in safe spaces like teen centers and programs that strengthen resilience, we are giving our students not only information but also the confidence to lead and protect their communities.”

Through the project, schools will establish youth-friendly teen centers offering SRHR education, counseling, and referrals. Resilience workshops and psychosocial support will help students manage stress and navigate crises, while climate literacy activities, including peer-led campaigns and student-created materials, will promote awareness and action among adolescents.

The launch featured the “I Am BRAVE” Call to Action and photo opportunity, where students, teachers, and partners pledged their commitment to resilience, climate adaptation, and SRHR. Partners and stakeholders also joined a Commitment Signing Ceremony, affirming their support for the project’s goals.

In addition, the event marked the launch of Jhpiego Philippines’ official Facebook Page, which will serve as a hub for updates, resources, and stories of young leaders driving change.

“BRAVE started as a vision, and today it becomes reality,” said Dr. Ingrid R. Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines. “Thanks to Olivia Rodrigo’s generosity and the commitment of our partners in education, health, and local government, we now have an opportunity to strengthen the voices of adolescents and empower them to be champions of resilience and well-being.”

For many students, the project represents inclusivity and the belief that both girls and boys can find hope and opportunity at a crucial time in their lives. “Being part of BRAVE makes me feel that my voice matters—young boys and girls alike,” shared John Stephen Pranciliso, a student from Ozamiz City National High School. “I’ve learned that we can be leaders in caring for our health, protecting the environment, and supporting our classmates when challenges come. This project shows us that even as teenagers, we can already make a difference.”

“Together, we are building inclusive, safe, and climate-resilient schools and communities,” added Dr. Magnata.

The BRAVE Project affirms the commitment of Jhpiego Philippines and its partners to empower young people as leaders in health, resilience, and climate action.