The Guidance Counseling Unit of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC) hosted an enrichment program on love, courtship, marriage, and sex for the sophomores at the Jose D. Aspiras (JDA) Hall last February 22, 2023.

Revolving around the theme “Making the Right Choice and Understanding the Real Goal of Romantic Relationships”, the program started with opening remarks by Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Head Prof. Jo Ann P. Rulla who also introduced the event’s presenters: Information and Orientation Services Guidance Counselor In-Charge Mrs. Angelita S. Domondon, and Guidance Counselor Dr. Imelda A. Coloma.

Dr. Coloma tackled the pitfalls of love and pointers to know when one is truly in love. Her presentation was divided into four parts: love, courtship, marriage, and sex.

Dr. Coloma reminded the youth that it’s not too late to realize that sex must only be done by people who are married because abstinence from sexual relationships serves proper value and honors God. She also explained the biological makeup and differences between a man and a woman.

Ms. Domondon followed with her presentation about ‘Building A Healthy Relationship’, emphasizing the famous phrase “grow old with you”. She contradicted most of the romantic relationships in teenagers where common problems like peer pressure, immaturity, insecurities, priorities, infatuation, and lack of support occur.

Ms. Domondon also reiterated that the qualities a person should possess in order to have a healthy relationship are good insight, maturity, and emotion regulation; the most important thing to address in order to have a healthy relationship is to “select the right person”.

Open forum then followed. The College of Agriculture SAS Facilitator Dr. Janice D. Usi delivered her closing remarks and ended with a Bible verse, “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires” quoting Song of Solomon 8:1. (By Sunshine Jade Fontanilla, the College Forum).

Photos by Kaleiah Dominique Cacdac