Aiming to educate students, promote healthy choices, and enhance campus safety, Biliran Province State University conducted a symposium on the substance abuse and crime prevention for youth on November 20 at the university gymnasium.

Spearheaded by the university’s Guidance and Counseling Services Office and the School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE) headed by Faculty Regent and Acting Dean, Hon. Vennie G. Coton,  the whole day activity was attended  by 1st  year to 4th year students  from the different schools.

Anchored on the theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” the symposium provided an avenue to promote personal growth, awareness, and well-being among the students of the university.

In his message, Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, vice president for Student and External Affairs, highlighted that the symposium is a call to build a future where every young person in Biliran has the opportunity to thrive, free from the shackles of substance abuse and crime.

“We know that prevention is not just about saying no, it's about empowering ourselves with knowledge, building resilience, and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and safe,” Dr. Salvatierra stressed.

The said program was divided into two sessions: students from the School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE), School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), School of Teacher Education (STed), School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) attended the morning session, while students from the School of Engineering (SOE), School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) took part in the afternoon forum.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jocelyn Caing, BiPSU guidance counselor, emphasized that the alarming prevalence of abuse and crime continue to pose significant threats to individual well-being, community safety, and personal goals.

“You don’t have to do great things, you don’t have to make it big, start with your own self just say no to drugs, say no to alcohol and say no to cigarette smoking,” Ms. Caing expressed.

Furthermore, Mr. Kenn Ivan Manait Leses, president of the Community Against Illegal Drugs Coalition of Angono, led the discussions. “By educating our youth, we can empower them to make informed decisions and foster a crime and drug-free environment,” he stated.

A panel discussion and open forum were also held after every session.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions]