The College of Health Sciences gave its fair share to the community outreach program as part of UNP’s 59th foundation anniversary by holding three extension activities.

The BS Midwifery faculty organized an extension activity titled “Building Resilience in Adolescence: Addressing Teenage Pregnancy, Juvenile Delinquency, Sibling Rivalry, Peer Pressure, Gender Dynamics, Familism, Mental Health, and Cultural Challenges.” It was held at Basug National High School (BNHS). 

The activity was organized by Dr. Romelia Tamayo (CHS Research Coordinator) and Dr. Gerald Caezar de Peralta (faculty member). Participants included the students from BNHS, who actively engaged with the experts and speakers throughout the event. 

The speakers and their topics were Prof. Joussie B. Bermio (teenage pregnancy), Ms. Jovie Mae Adversalo (juvenile delinquency), Asst. Prof. Geraldine Palomares (sibling rivalry), Asst. Prof. Teodora Rita Soliven (peer pressure), Asst. Prof. Venerand Dela Cruz (gender dynamics), Mr. Bhert Keane Pugrad (familism), Asst. Prof. Irene Melanie G. Gerona (cultural issues in adolescent development), and Mr. Mario Contaoi Jr. (mental health awareness). 

The activity equipped the BNHS students with practical knowledge and strategies to better understand and cope with the various social, emotional, and psychological hurdles they face.

Another was “Helminthiasis Surveillance II and Training on Basic Hygiene,” conducted at Villamar Elementary School in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. This event was organized by the BS Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) program, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) Ilocos Sur Chapter, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Ilocos Sur Chapter, and Naval and Military Lodge No. 3678. 

The primary objective of the extension activity was to address the issue of helminthiasis, a widespread problem affecting schoolchildren in the area. To achieve this, fecalysis was conducted on stool specimens collected from Grades 1, 2, and 3 pupils of Villamar Elementary School. It aimed to identify and document cases of helminth infection among the pupils and take appropriate measures based on the findings. In addition to the medical aspect of the program, the event also aimed to educate the children on basic hygiene practices, with a focus on handwashing, to prevent future infections.

Last was the activity of the BS Emergency Health Services program which was a workshop on herbal medicine. The initiative focused on educating residents of Caparacadan, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur about the use of locally available medicinal plants.

Through a hands-on workshop and field-based learning, participants are trained in sustainable harvesting methods, preparation techniques, and the proper dosages for various ailments. This knowledge is crucial for communities with limited access to modern healthcare, providing a natural, cost-effective alternative for managing common health issues like colds, digestive problems, and minor injuries.

This holistic approach aims to create a balanced healthcare system that respects cultural heritage while offering scientifically validated treatments. Beyond the immediate health benefits, the program is also designed to promote environmental sustainability. 

Participants are taught sustainable harvesting practices to ensure that local plant populations are preserved for future generations.

Article by Ace Avero, Romelia Tamayo, Gerald de Peralta, Karen David.