By Joycel Lagrio, STRATCOM Correspondent

Promoting health and wellness among public school educators, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) – Department of Nursing of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), in partnership with the Department of Education – Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (DepEd), launched the Phase III of its extension project, ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????-???????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????, on November 25 at Suyo National High School-Dingras Campus.

The project stems from DepEd’s request for strengthened health education and screening services for its personnel, particularly on lifestyle-related conditions identified by the Department of Health as among the nation’s top causes of mortality: diabetes mellitus (15%), cancer (30.8%), hypertension (33.61%), and ischemic heart diseases (50.5%). Stress management and COVID-19 health protocols were also highlighted.

Inspired by the Ilocano term ????????????????????????????????, meaning tenderness and care, the program promotes compassionate and culturally grounded health learning by focusing on preventive health, wellness awareness, and empowering school communities to adopt healthier lifestyles through education sessions.

A total of 60 teachers from various elementary and secondary schools in Dingras, identified by the division office under Dr. Lydia Natividad as having existing health conditions, participated in the activity, along with 75 senior high school students.  

Representing Suyo National High School Principal II Amiel Dexter B. Sarmiento, faculty member Mr. Edgar Daquioag emphasized the value of compassion-rooted knowledge in building healthier communities. He encouraged participants to embrace the program as an opportunity for personal growth, partnership, and strengthened well-being.

Present at the event were project leader Dr. Elmer Santos of the CHS Nursing Department; Ms. Valerie Talamayan, designated information officer of DepEd Schools Division of Ilocos Norte; Mr. Rey Lagadon, Nurse II, DepEd Ilocos Norte; and faculty members of the CHS Nursing Department and Suyo NHS.

Guided by the principles “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” and “Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” the Sappuyot Salun-at program continues to demonstrate MMSU’s sustained dedication to improving community health through education, service, and collaboration.

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