by Shawn Raven Laud and Zoe Thea Benito
Aiming for informative health responses, the Apayao State College Gender and Development Office anchored the conclusion of the celebration of National Women’s Month through a culminating program at the EKB Auditorium, RDE Building, on March 22.
Registered Psychometricians Eleanor Janine C. Guillermo of the Provincial Health Office, Claudine M. Caluducan, Health Program Officer I of the Department of Health (DOH)-Apayao, and Eunice M. Aloag, School Nurse of ASC served as resource speakers.
Firstly, Ms. Guillermo dived into mental health awareness. Broadly speaking, a statistic showing Filipinos who suffered from mental health (depressive and anxiety disorders and reported suicide cases) was presented. Presently, suicide cases obtained in Apayao had a total of 51 (37 for males and 14 for females), according to the reports. Moreover, she gave insight into real-life situations involving behaviors and beliefs towards mental health and approaches to dealing with mental health problems through treatment.
Secondly, Ms. Caluducan added depths on “possible health impacts of the male and female brain,” underlining “suicide awareness (neurobiology of suicide).” The discussion opened the ears and minds with the subheadings “statistics of suicide in Apayao, three main pillars of suicidal behavior, demographics of suicide, neurobiology of suicide, and risk and protective factors.” The participants were then piloted by neuroimaging in depression versus no depression and other concerned brain image sources.
Lastly, Ms. Aloag shared the results of collected samples of bacteria from different sources of ASC-Luna Campus undertaken by BSED sophomores major in Science under Mr. Vimar A. Romero.
Based on the gathered findings, the bacteria were present in all the sources, such as computer mouse and keyboard, cellphone, phone case, window transaction, floor, window glass, door knobs, staircase handles, motorcycle handle grip, toilet sink, toilet bowl, and trash bin, which also includes the humans’ neck, mouth, and back of the ear. She recommended regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently used devices, using 70% alcohol and alcohol-based wipes in which she left a quotation by Sam Veda: “One who maintains cleanliness keeps away diseases.”
“The purpose of this health education program is to positively influence the behavior of the ASC employees of Luna Campus with the use and sharing of health-related data so decision-makers can identify problems, make evidence-based choices regarding health policy, and maximize resource allocation,” Aloag expressed.
Brendalyn U. Fernando, Chief Administrative Officer, noted that even the celebration reached its heart’s content, and fighting for advocacy is perpetually dedicated. “We are also part of this endeavor, so let us continue to work together,” she said in her opening remarks.
Dr. Rema T. Bascos-Ocampo, Campus Academic Dean, delivered the milestone of womanhood and welfare. “Health is not merely the absence of illness but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It is also about nurturing the body, nurturing the mind, and fostering a supportive environment that enables women to fight in every aspect of their lives”, she marked in her inspirational message.
After the lectures, an open forum was addressed. Dr. Rey Carl V.BArimas, the GAD Focal Person, acknowledged everyone who supported and lent efforts for a successful event. “The direction of our institution is to be a gender-responsive and inclusive higher academic community in the province, region, and country as well,” he said.
