Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), through the College of Business Education and Governance (CBEG) – Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) program, conducted an HIV Awareness Symposium and Free Testing Activity on February 28, 2026, at the DSSC Gymnasium.
With the year’s theme “Breaking the Stigma: Learn the Facts, Know Your Status.” The event pulled in students, faculty members, and health advocates. The activity aimed to advocate inclusivity, promote awareness, and responsible health practices within the college community.
The discussion on the event focused on Republic Act No. 11166, also known as the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018. A law strengthening the country’s response to HIV and AIDS by ensuring easy access to the prevention, treatment, care, and support services, while keeping anonymity to protect the rights and dignity of people living with the conditions.
Guest speaker, Hon. Leonard Dominic Labajo, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman of Tres de Mayo, Digos City, encouraged sustained community involvement in addressing HIV related concerns. “HIV is a consistent problem, and so, we also need consistent action”, the young leader emphasized, also mentioning the importance of youth participation in public health efforts.
Another guest speaker from Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. – Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (PSFI SHIP), Case Finder and HIV Counselor, Dennis R. Panolino, gave an overview of the law and discussed crucial information regarding HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which included ways to prevent, get tested, and the available support systems. He also emphasized the importance of informed decision-making and reducing stigma by having access to accurate information.
DSSC’s CBEG-BPA Health Sector Chairperson, Trixie Vernice Lopez, spoke about youth governance and social responsibility. She also put an emphasis on the role of young leaders in promoting health policies and cultivating a stigma-free community.
Activities like this show DSSC’s support for public health education and responsible citizenship within the college community. This initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being) by reinforcing awareness and access to health services, and SDG 4 (Quality education) by providing accurate, rights-based information to students and stakeholders. By encouraging inclusive dialogue and reducing stigma, the College also contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), reinforcing its commitment to accessible and equitable health education for all.
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