The Cebu Technological University Tabogon Extension Campus conducted an Anti-Rape Law and Drug Awareness Symposium program in cooperation with the PNP-Tabogon MPS Personnel as part of the institution’s commitment to heighten awareness and extend its services to the studentry. The participatory activity was done in the first week of October 4-12, 2022.
The awareness program gathered the bona fide first-year students in the AVR room. The students are divided into two sections per department. For the first session, Patrolwoman Jiseca Ruña disseminates information about the Anti-Drug Campaign. This comprises topics such as the definition of drugs, classification, ingredients, effects of drug abuse, characteristics of the drug abuser, and other matters about the Republic Act 9165. For session 2, Police Staff Sergeant Crisanta Antopina discussed RA 8353, also known as the Anti-Rape Law of 1997. They informed the students about the relationship between drug use and committing heinous crimes. Police Executive Master Sergeant Leonardo Almendras gave the students an insightful and meaningful message.
In the latter part, the SSG President, Ericson O. Matic, started the open forum for questions. SSG officers Darell Catarungan and Kathy Mae Manalili spearheaded the program.
This awareness program aims to meet the demands of the present time— to uplift students’ morale and break the stigma around drug use. As Pat Jiseca Ruña said, “Conforming to the trends in drug use will not make you famous. It will destroy your future.” This symposium program also bridges the gap between police-community relations and the academe.
Words by Llanabelle Lanohan