Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus took a decisive step in combating the growing problem of illegal drug use by hosting the "Symposium on Anti-Illegal Drugs" on March 26, 2025. The event, held at the SLSU-Maasin City Campus (MCC) on the 3rd Floor of the P.E. Hall, aimed to educate and empower NSTP students, and selected faculty in the campus with knowledge and strategies to fight drug abuse.

The symposium's promotional materials featured stark imagery depicting the devastating consequences of drug addiction, reinforcing the powerful message "SAY NO TO DRUGS." This visual campaign emphasizes the Maasin City's Philippine National Police, and the campus' commitment to creating a drug-free community. Dr. Magdaleno T. Samaco Jr., Campus Dean, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing that,  "This is a crucial activity that is not just an event or a law enforcement issue, but a societal concern that demands a multi-sectoral approach to fight against illegal drugs." Dr. Samaco also incorporated the idea of aligning the symposium's purpose with the National Sustainable Development Goals (NSDG) Number 3 (Health and Wellness) and Number 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), emphasizing the need to strengthen justice and security through awareness and collective action.  

Aurora Abadiano, Health Service Coordinator, introduced the keynote speaker, Police Staff Sergeant Lunisa P. Obus, and Police Corporal Ma. Asuncion M. Magallano from the Maasin City Police Station in Combado, Maasin City. PSSgt. Obus delivered a comprehensive presentation on drug education, focusing on "Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo" and the fight against illegal drugs, highlighting how these substances alter the mind and body. The presentation covered regulated and prohibited drugs, their origins (natural and synthetic), and the effects of stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. Afterwards, an interactive discussion between the speaker and the attendees took place, where questions relating to the concerns and curiousness of students about the activity were stated. 

Conrad Owyn Novh Y. Mercado, the event's Master of Ceremony, stressed the importance of raising awareness, fostering discussions, and strengthening collective efforts. He called for collaboration among community leaders, policymakers, law enforcers, and the youth to build a drug-free community. The symposium also highlighted the role of educators in drug prevention and the responsibilities of policymakers as future public administrators. The NSTP program at SLSU was emphasized as a crucial platform for integrating information on the adverse effects of prohibited drugs for prevention and combat. Engr. Ma. Dulce Gonzales delivered the closing remarks, reinforcing the message, "We say no to drugs. Saying no is not a form of weakness, but a form of strength we must have. The pressure and influence of others should not affect us in saying no to drugs."

The "Symposium on Anti-Illegal Drugs" served as a platform for collaboration and commitment, inspiring attendees to take action and contribute to a drug-free community. The Philippine National Police and the campus' proactive collaboration and approach underscores its dedication to the well-being of its students and the broader community it serves.

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• 09950611081 - Globe

• 09985986528

• 09985986527

• (053) 862-0067

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Facebook Page: @MaasinCityPoliceStation

(via Sophia Marie T. Calatrava| Pulse)