23 February 2026
The Benguet State University College of Nursing reaffirmed its commitment to community health by conducting an extension activity at Tuba Central National High School. Driven by a mission to transform the youth of Benguet into catalysts for health, the faculty delivered a comprehensive series of lectures tailored to both Junior and Senior High School students.
To ensure a comfortable and focused environment for discussing sensitive topics, the sessions were divided by gender: Jude L. Tayaben, Dominador B. Abad, and Jason L. Bimuyag facilitated the male-led sessions. Their discussions focused on the long-term health risks associated with betel nut chewing, smoking, and vaping, alongside critical education on the prevention of HIV, STIs, and AIDS.
Meanwhile, Ervina Luisa L. Campus, Jonalyn S. Esco, Jocylyn W. Angeles, Marriane W. Sagada, and Tayaben covered the female sessions on reproductive and menstrual health, teenage pregnancy prevention, HPV awareness & STIs, STD, and AIDs prevention. A demonstration of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) also taught the students proper techniques for early detection of breast cancer.
This outreach is part of the college’s ongoing extension program dubbed “MAAWIS TAKO” which stands for Managing Adolescent Health and Well-being in Schools and Teachers’ Training through Acquisition of Knowledge and Development to Self-care and Empowerment.
“Vaping has become a rampant concern in our community, and we are grateful to the BSU College of Nursing for addressing its dangers directly,” shared a Tuba CNHS faculty member. “With a clearer understanding of the severe health risks involved, we are hopeful our learners will now make the conscious choice to avoid these vices,” she added.
Tayaben, the lead proponent of the program, concluded the event by challenging the school’s educators to sustain the momentum. “We are your partners in promoting good health; however, we need your continued help to ensure these endeavors truly succeed in the long run.”
This initiative directly supports BSU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically: SDG 3( Good Health and Well-being) SDG 4( Quality Education) SDG 5 ( Gender Equality).
