By Vanessa B. Barayang, BA COMM 4, The Centralian Link Intern

Dr. Lysa Lynn Uy Libanan delivers a lecture on HIV/AIDS awareness during KASANAGAN: A Lecture Series on Current Social Issues, held at the EMC Conference Room on March 17, 2026.

Senior High School students gathered at the EMC Conference Room on March 17, 2026, for KASANAGAN: A Lecture Series on Current Social Issues, which featured a discussion on HIV/AIDS awareness led by Dr. Lysa Lynn Uy Libanan.

The program began with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the CPU Alma Mater song. To formally open the event, Guidance Services Director Johanna Faith Candido delivered the opening remarks. In her message, Dr. Candido expressed gratitude to the participants and speakers on behalf of Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs. She concluded her message with a verse from the Bible, Proverbs 2:11-12, emphasizing the value of wisdom and understanding in guiding one’s decisions.

Following the opening program, Dr. Lysa Lynn Uy Libanan was introduced as the keynote speaker for the lecture titled “Awareness Saves Lives: Understanding HIV/AIDS Today.”

During her lecture, Dr. Libanan discussed the basic awareness of the latest figures and current trends of HIV/AIDS and its impact on the nation. She also explained HIV epidemiology, including risk factors, transmission, natural history, and clinical manifestations, while emphasizing the connection between HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Dr. Libanan provided a historical background of HIV, explaining that the virus originated from the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) found in chimpanzees. According to the lecture, cross-species transmission likely occurred in West and Central Africa around the 1920s through the bushmeat trade, where infected animal blood entered human wounds. She also documented early HIV cases, including the “Leo70” blood sample from Congo (1959), which later tested positive for HIV-1.

In addition to discussing the history and transmission of the virus, Dr. Libanan emphasized that HIV may be transmitted through sexual contact and from a pregnant mother to her child. She also highlighted preventive measures and encouraged students to be informed and responsible.

To further engage the participants, Dr. Libanan interacted with the audience by asking questions and conducting short activities related to the lecture, ensuring that the students remained attentive and actively involved in the discussion.

The lecture concluded with an intermission number, followed by the awarding of a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Lysa Lynn Uy Libanan. The event officially ended with a closing prayer.

Through the KASANAGAN lecture series, students were given the opportunity to become more informed about current social issues and to develop a deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.