By Herme A. Borlado, MAN

Teachers of Binaba-an National High School; faculty and alumni of CPU School of Graduate Studies (MAN Program; KABALAKA and Birthing Center Coordinators; and College of Nursing Faculty and Level 2 Students).

Providing health education to high school students is an essential component of their holistic education and growth. During adolescence, it is essential for high school students to possess a solid base of information and comprehension regarding their physical and mental well-being. With this in consideration, Central Philippine University’s School of Graduate Studies – Master of Arts in Nursing Program, together with the College of Nursing, KABALAKA Reproductive Health Center and Birthing Center held an Outreach Activity to 206 learners of Binaba-an National High School in Lambunao, Iloilo, together with their parents.

The invitation to the aforementioned units was extended by the Binaba-an National High School itself because of the growing need to address concerns pertaining to the psychological and physical well-being of its learners. In conjunction with their Brigada Eskwela Opening Program, which took place on July 22, 2024, the Outreach Activity was done.

“Balancing Body and Mind: Key to Optimum Health” was the topic of the outreach engagement. It began with a prayer and the National Anthem, led by the students at the school. Following that, National High School Teacher 3 Mrs. Elsa C. Clemeno gave some opening remarks.

Stress Management, Reproductive Health, and Healthy Lifestyles for Teens were the three areas upon which health education promotion centered. Professor Marilyn M. Caldito began the session by giving definition, types and management of stress. The learners listened attentively and even thought about their own experiences with stress and how they had managed it. When the BSN Level 2 students began to talk about reproductive health and the risks associated with teenage pregnancy, the participants became even more engaged and interested.

Professor Liezl V. Bretaña delivered the last topic, which was on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for teenagers. Before she began her presentation, Professor Bretaña provided the students with some icebreakers, which caused them to stand up and be more active. The learners’ engagement increased throughout the talk when they were requested to respond to a series of questions.

The learners, parents, and faculty of Binaba-an National High School were provided with food packs by nursing students and faculty, as well as faculty from the Master of Arts in Nursing Program and coordinators of the Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center and Birthing Center, at the conclusion of the health education activity.

“We are blessed and grateful that you have come to our school and shared knowledge on health and even gave out snacks for all. We hope that this is the start of our partnership. We long to be considered as one of your outreach areas,” Clemeno said in local dialect, Teacher 3 of Binaba-an National High School.

By means of health education for high school students, we can equip them with the information and abilities required to make wise decisions about their health and foster good practices that will provide long-lasting benefits.