𝐒𝐏𝐂 𝐑𝐂𝐘 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐈𝐕, 𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒, 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

To address public health concerns affecting the youth, the San Pedro College (SPC) College Red Cross Youth Council (CRCYC) led a seminar on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and substance abuse awareness, themed “Veritas: Knowledge Against HIV and Substance Abuse,” on April 19 via Zoom.

In collaboration with Philippine Red Cross Youth (PRCY), City Health Office (CHO), and Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG), the event was also attended by Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), and Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology (AISAT).

“We cannot ignore the rising number of HIV and AIDS cases in Davao City, along with the increasing number of youth affected by substance abuse. These growing concerns highlight the urgent need for education, prevention, and community action,” event head Shinji Pascual said.

HIV Counselor Eddie Batoon opened the first session, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Meanwhile, Pat Edgar Dizo Jr. from the PNP DEG discussed substance abuse and gateway drugs, highlighting their risks and impact on the youth.

The seminar also served as a preliminary initiative for schools without established Red Cross Youth Councils, aligning with the event’s goal of expanding awareness and outreach.

“We began by researching colleges that do not yet have a Red Cross Youth Council or [have] similar organization[s]. From there, we reached out via email to their respective student government councils, inviting them to take part in this meaningful event and collaborate in promoting youth awareness on HIV, AIDS, and substance abuse,” Pascual shared.

Amid the sudden shift to an online modality, Pascual expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants who took part in the event.

“I am incredibly proud of my fellow event heads — Avril, Walter, Red, and Dexie — as well as our dedicated working committee for successfully bringing this event to life in partnership with various organizations,” he added.

Originally planned as a face-to-face activity, the event was moved online following a memorandum from the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) in relation to the recent state of national energy emergency.

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