DMMMSU Open University System (DOUS) conducted an HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign titled “Empowering Youth for a Healthier Future: Raising HIV/AIDS Awareness Together” for 139 students and faculty members. Held at the DOUS Multi-purpose Hall and aired online on October 19, 2024, the campaign reached an additional 20,000 participants.

This campaign, organized as part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), was  led by Dr. Geoffrey M. Badua, Head for NSTP at DOUS, and Mr. Joseph G. Valdez, President of the NSTP Team.

During the event, Dr. Bernardo D. Lamadrid, Executive Director, underscored the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness as an essential component of both students’ academic and personal growth, emphasizing that this issue demands urgent attention in our society.

Mr. Amor A. Ordono, a Nurse and HIV Coordinator from the City Health Office of San Fernando, La Union, served as the Subject Matter Specialist, providing in-depth information on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support services.

Moreover, the event provided participants with access to free HIV/AIDS testing, facilitated by the City Health Office as part of its community health outreach.

Associate Professor Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo, DOUS Guidance Counselor, delivered the closing remarks, drawing connections between HIV/AIDS awareness and mental health, highlighting the impact that education and understanding can have on one’s overall well-being.

This campaign reflects DOUS’s commitment to promoting health and wellness among students, equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary to foster a healthier future. (By Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo)