Business Development Center | Northwest Samar State University hosted a timely and informative forum on HIV, Cervical Cancer, and SOGIE 101 awareness as part of its University Days celebration on November 18, 2024.
This collaborative effort, led by Gender and Development (GAD) Office, Guidance Office, University Clinic, and Faculty Association of NwSSU (FANwSSU), with support from the LGU of Calbayog City, drew faculty and staff together, aiming to raise awareness and promote preventive measures related to these critical health and social issues.
Dr. Ma. Felipa Fabrigaras, a physician and resource speaker at the forum, stressed the importance of prevention when it comes to cervical cancer. She stated that prevention is better than cure and that women should undergo regular checkups and vaccinations, even if they do not experience any symptoms. She recommended HPV vaccines, pap smear tests, and visual inspection with acetic acid as effective preventive measures. Dr. Fabrigaras also emphasized that addressing cervical cancer is a shared responsibility, urging both men and women to be informed about the disease.
Another esteemed resource speaker and Human Rights advocate, Atty. Marcel Milliam, addressed SOGIE 101 and HIV-AIDS. He discussed salient insights on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sexual characteristics. He then urged parents to allow children to express themselves freely. “Parents should not suppress children in following specific gender roles while playing. Let them play and soon they will discover their identity,” he said as suppression will further lead to fixation. He then stressed that, “SOGIE is personal and self-determined.”
Atty. Milliam also highlighted the importance of understanding HIV. He explained that people should bear in mind the ESSE Principle of HIV Transmission – Exit, Sufficiency, Survival, and Entry. He concluded by stating that HIV patients need support, not discrimination.
The forum served as a valuable platform for raising awareness and promoting open dialogue about these important issues within the NwSSU community. As part of this initiative, the University Clinic also offered free screening and testing for HIV, cervical cancer, and syphilis to pregnant women. This reflects the university’s dedication to strengthening a safe and inclusive environment where all members feel supported and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.