28 September 2024, Naga City – The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and Ateneo Higher Education Health Services Office (AHEHSO), in cooperation with the College Ignatian Formation Program (CIFP) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) Department and Physical Education Department, organized an Anti-Illegal Drugs Seminar dubbed as “I Choose to be Drug-Free.”
Around 1,342 students attended the whole-day seminar at the Covered Courts, with the majority participating from CIFP, NSTP, and P.E. classes. This seminar is part of the university’s newly established Drug-Free Campus Program, aimed at creating a safe and healthy environment for students, fostering personal and academic growth, and promoting responsible behavior.
The seminar began with an opening prayer, led by Thea Pramis, Director of the Campus Ministry Office, followed by opening remarks from Rodolfo “Sonny” Virtus, Director of Student Affairs. Virtus emphasized the whole-person and collaborative approach of the drug-free campus program, which consists of three essential components: prevention, regular random drug testing, and intervention to effectively address potential and existing drug problems among students. Merle Palcon, Administrator of AHEHSO and Chair of the ADNU Drug-Free Campus Committee, then introduced the resource speaker.
In the morning session, resource speaker Francis Grace Duka-Pante, Health Education Professor at the University of the Philippines and Director of the ASEAN Training Center for Preventive Drug Education, discussed the enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS). She highlighted the scientific, evidence-based, and health-centered approach, emphasizing the significant role of youth in developing and implementing substance use prevention programs. Duka-Pante encouraged participants to become “youth prevention influencers” by engaging and empowering themselves in substance abuse prevention efforts.
An open forum followed, facilitated by Joemarie Boletic and Cristine Refuerzo, CIF and NSTP Formators, during which the speaker addressed participants’ questions.
Duka-Pante stressed the importance of using an evidence-based approach that communicates positive health messages rather than relying on scare tactics. She discussed prevention science, covering the risk and protective factors related to youth drug use, and provided practical tips for maintaining a substance-free life. At the end of her talk, participants stood to recite a commitment pledge: “I will commit to a healthy and drug-free life.”
Another open forum followed, where students shared their understanding of substance abuse and their potential as youth prevention influencers. The seminar concluded with a closing prayer led by John Russel A. Señora, CIFP and NSTP Formator.
In the upcoming semesters, the university will continue to implement educational and formation activities like this seminar to ensure a truly safe and drug-free environment for all students.
Written by Janice Tresvalles
