Gisingin mo ang tulog kong puso! The UNP community gathered at the University Gymnasium and Auditorium on February 28, 2024 for Co-Love Festival: Pumping Passion into Health Initiatives. The event featured heart health through lectures, trainings, and a bloodletting activity.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Vigan, in collaboration with Philippine Red Cross-Vigan Chapter, the Ilocos Sur Medical Society, the University of Northern Philippines, Heritage Group-REACT Philippines, Inc., and PPSK Ilocos Sur co-sponsored the said affair.

“The sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from helping others has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and enhance overall feelings of happiness and contentment, and a happy heart,” Hon. Janina Medina Fariñas pointed out.

She also stressed that participation in the simultaneous activities for the day can have a significant impact on health and well-being.

First-year and second-year students participated in the hands-only CPR with the ISMS, heart opening chair yoga with Blue House Wellness, and heartstring bracelet making with JCI Vigan.

Meanwhile, the lecture series at the UNP auditorium started with the heart health topic of Dr. Peeble Agdamag, resident cardiologist and faculty member of the UNP College of Medicine.

Dr. Agdamag informed the participants that a healthy diet plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease. Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight.

“Avoiding excessive intake of saturated and trans-fats, added sugars, and sodium is also important for heart health” she quipped.

In addition, Chef Sam Cardenas of JCI Vigan shared heart-friendly recipes.

The said activities are part of JCI’s aims of providing opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, social responsibility, and fellowship necessary to create positive change. These activities create a positive feedback loop of kindness and compassion that can spread far and wide, creating a more caring and supportive society for us all.

One student remarked that engaging in heart-filled simultaneous activities is not only a rewarding experience but also a powerful force for good in communities.