The College of Health Sciences’ BS Midwifery Program led a dynamic extension activity at Basug National High School (BNHS) on November 18, 2025, under the theme “Cultural and Gender Perspective in Basic First Aid Training: Promoting Inclusive and Responsive Care in Schools.” The initiative also coincided with the celebration of the sixth anniversary of University of Northern Philippines President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna’s transformative leadership.
Designed to enhance first aid preparedness among both students and teachers, the activity emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and gender awareness in emergency care. Participants explored how cultural beliefs, traditions, and gender-related considerations can shape responses to injuries, illnesses, and physical contact during emergencies, equipping them with practical knowledge to provide inclusive and responsive care in school settings.
The training program empowered students and teachers to respond effectively to emergencies while respecting cultural and gender perspectives. Attendees gained hands-on skills in first aid and explored how cultural norms, traditions, and gender dynamics influence how people react to injuries and medical attention. By bridging practical emergency response with awareness of social sensitivities, the initiative aimed to create a safer, more inclusive school environment.
Resource speakers highlighted the importance of recognizing cultural differences and gender identities in emergency situations, stressing that such awareness enables responders to provide aid that respects personal boundaries and minimizes discomfort or miscommunication. The training reinforced that first aid extends beyond technical expertise, framing it as a human-centered practice that demands empathy, sensitivity, and cultural awareness.
Students actively participated in interactive sessions featuring practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises in wound care, bandaging, bleeding control, and safe handling of individuals in need of immediate assistance. Facilitators emphasized the importance of applying cultural sensitivity and gender-responsive approaches in real-life school scenarios, illustrating how these practices foster better cooperation, trust, and overall effectiveness during emergencies.
The training underscored school’s ongoing commitment to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment, one rooted in dignity, respect, and cultural awareness. By integrating a culturally and gender-sensitive approach to first aid, the school not only enhances its emergency preparedness but also prioritizes the well-being of its diverse student body.
The BS Midwifery program reaffirmed its dedication to community engagement and health education, strengthening partnerships with schools and local stakeholders to promote responsive and inclusive care across the community.
Article by Ace Danielle Avero, Photo by Teodora Rita Soliven.
