Student leaders from different organizations of Pangasinan State University–Urdaneta City Campus gathered on Valentine’s Day for 𝑷𝒂𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒚: 𝑷𝒂𝒈-𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒏𝒂 𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒊—𝒌𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒍𝒊 𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒈-𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒏, a symposium conducted as part of the campus Valentine’s Day Special Event. The activity brought together student leaders and advocates in a meaningful discussion aimed at strengthening 𝗛𝗜𝗩 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, promoting informed choices, and breaking the stigma surrounding the condition through education and open dialogue.
The symposium formally opened with words from 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐫. 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐲, adviser of the Supreme Student Council, who emphasized the role of student-leaders in fostering awareness and empathy within the campus. This was followed by a warm and inspiring message from 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐝𝐧𝐚 𝐂. 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs, encouraging the student-leaders of PSU Urdaneta City Campus to champion conversations that challenge misinformation and discrimination.
The microphone was then passed to 𝐌𝐬. 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞, SSC President, who officially welcomed the participants and introduced the first resource speaker. The first lecture was delivered by 𝐌𝐬. 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐨, GAD Coordinator of PSU- Urdaneta City campus, who discussed combating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, addressing common myths and underscoring the importance of understanding beyond assumptions. Her discussion was followed by the awarding of a certificate and a token of appreciation.
Serving as both a breather and a reminder of creative expression, an intermission number by UPAG (Urdaneta Performing Arts and Guild) brought life to the program through a dynamic performance that showcased local talent and artistic unity.
The symposium continued with the second lecture led by 𝐌𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝, an HIV counselor and lecturer, who tackled HIV transmission through facts versus myths, clearly distinguishing misinformation from scientific truth. She emphasized the importance of prevention strategies, including the proper use of PrEP and PEP, and promoted responsible decision-making among the youth. To further support HIV prevention efforts, free condoms were distributed to participants, reinforcing the message of safe, informed, and responsible love. After her presentation, certificates and tokens of appreciation were given by the SSC officers in recognition of her contribution.
Finally, the program closed with a closing remark by 𝐌𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐩, Vice President for Student Rights and Welfare of the SSC, highlighting the need to sustain the awareness created beyond the symposium. And that this conversation does not end here. “𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡—𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠, 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒.” All the participating student leaders were then given their respective certificates, followed by a photo opportunity which symbolizes unity in breaking stigma.
Layout: Julius Lucky Smith Soriano| Multimedia Committee & Ed Andrei Tipay | Multimedia Committee
