Alexander Decena, a graduate of BS Social Work at Abra Valley Colleges Inc. in Bangued, Abra, Philippines, is a passionate advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), with a specific focus on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), HIV, and general youth well-being.

Alex embarked on his advocacy journey in 2018, receiving training from Youth Peer-Education (Pilipinas) Inc. and Youth LEAD Asia-Pacific through the TeenGen: Leadership Training program. His dedication led him to complete courses such as the Adolescent and Youth SRHR E-Course by UNFPA and Y-PEER Asia-Pacific, as well as specialized training in HIV prevention and community-based screening.

In 2019, Alex founded the Youth for YOUth Organization, the pioneering youth-led SRHR organization in Abra. His leadership extended to roles as a volunteer peer educator with Y-PEER Pilipinas and his engagement in international platforms such as the Generation Equality Forum in Paris, International Workshop on Adolescence and HIV/AID of the Academic Medical Education, and ASEAN Queer Leadership Exchange Program of the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex continued his advocacy efforts through projects like Youth for YOUth Initiative that conducts humanitarian response for Young Key Population while at the same time capacitating with basic knowledge and equipping them with skills on Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention, Mental Health First-Aid and Psychosocial Support, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Advocacy and Leadership Development. These projects focused on online peer education and humanitarian responses related to SRHR and HIV among vulnerable young populations.

Currently, Alex holds various positions, including Trustee of the Positive Youth Development Network Inc., Technical Officer and Regional Focal of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, President of the Abrenian Youth Leaders Association, and Executive Director of Youth for YOUth Organization. Formerly, Alex serves as Independent Specialist for LGBTIQ Inclusive Education Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Council Member for Youth and Student Sectoral Council. Additionally, he serves on various councils of the Provincial Government of Abra and actively participates in regional and international youth networks such as Youth PACT, Youth Voices Count Asia-Pacific, and ASEAN SOGIE Caucus.

Alex’s work is characterized by a strong commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), HIV awareness, gender equality and inclusion, social development, and youth empowerment both locally and internationally.