2 March 2026

The BSU College of Nursing successfully brought its MAAWIS TAKO program to Nawal Integrated School. This outreach initiative aimed to empower rural youth by improving health literacy and addressing the unique wellness challenges faced by adolescents in the region.

The outreach featured targeted educational sessions designed to address gender-specific health challenges. Jayson M. Bimuyag spearheaded Project 4: Nurse-Led MOMMA, educating male students on the dangers of tobacco, vaping, and traditional betel nut chewing, while providing vital information on the prevention of STIs and HIV/AIDS.

Simultaneously, Ervina Luisa D. Campus and Marriane W. Sagada led Project 2: Nurse-Led SELF-CARE for female students. Their sessions focused on reproductive health, menstrual management, and breast cancer awareness through breast  self-examination, aiming to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy and promote long-term wellness.

“Our goal is to empower adolescents to become proactive in their own self-care,” said the BSU-CN team. The program aligns with the university’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically targeting Good Health (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Gender Equality (SDG 5).

Faculty members of Nawal Integrated School expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, noting that such interventions are critical in protecting students from high-risk behaviors and bad habits.

The MAAWIS TAKO program, which stands for Managing Adolescent Health and Well-being in Schools & Teachers’ Training through Acquisition of Knowledge and Development of Self-care and Empowerment is a flagship initiative of BSU-CN. It is dedicated to fostering a culture of health and resilience among students and educators throughout the region.”

//Jonalyn Esco (CN)