E-inquiry app ‘Bonjing’ to be enhanced for extensive reach
The award-winning electronic application, “Bonjing” used for teen-agers’ sexual and reproductive health issues and concerns shall be rejuvenated and enhanced for inclusivity.
The AIDS Watch Council (AWAC), Department of Health (DOH), and the Health Services Office (HSO) works for said endeavor, Bonjing’s brainchild and HSO in-charge Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said during a meeting last Friday.
Teen-agers’ reproductive health as well as mental health issues shall be addressed including Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STD and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Bonjing’s website.
Bonjiing started in 2004 when Dr. Brillantes presented the idea to then Population Division head Zenaida Quijana and then Information System head Edwin Manaois which led to the website’s creation.
In March 2005, Bonjing drop boxes were placed strategically at the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) and University of the Philippines College Baguio (UPCB). Students could drop their inquiries with identities held with confidentiality. The electronic-mail based IEC was launched two months later.
In August that same year, it was hailed as “Best e-practices in health services for young adults,” during the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) at Taipei. It was chosen from 9 other nominees from the Philippines.
From then on, the website got best practice awards, both local and overseas-based; and recognition from the academe, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and various groups. It also gained appreciation for the information and education it provided, and still provides for the youth.
Ten years after conceptualization, a Frequently Asked Questions Bonjing booklet was brought together by Brillantes from the youth during the Bonjing Health Congress. It is a compilation of questions received in the e-inquiry, drop boxes and the telephone hotline, Brillantes said. According to Dr. Brillantes, a separate meeting shall be set for a better and inclusive service through the Bonjing Team, Health Services Offices. – JGF
