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Negros Occidental Conference Health Department, in partnership with City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, held its Youth Anti-Drug Symposium at Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center on November 21, 2024.

Pastor Jophone Galanza, the NOC president, kicked off the activity with a welcome address, welcoming the hundreds of students present and encouraging them to be part of the anti-drug campaign.

Mr. Rey Jereos, chairman of the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Bacolod City and board member of the Association of Anti-Drug Coalition of the Philippines, points out that the objective of this symposium is to raise students' awareness of abusive substances and to encourage them to continue learning about their ill effects. 

Guest speakers from the Bacolod City Anti-Drug Abuse Council shared their expertise on drug prevention programs.

IA V Cornelio Espartero Jr., Negros Occidental Provincial officer for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), presented his topic on drug situations. 

"Curiosity and peer pressure usually are some of the factors why adolescents use drugs. Therefore, know your friends," he said. 

Adolescents often find themselves at a crossroads where curiosity and the desire for acceptance can lead to risky behaviors like drug use. It's important to remember that the company you keep can influence your choices.

He advised the students to surround themselves with friends who support their well-being and encourage positive decisions. True friends, he said, will respect their values and won't pressure them to do things that make them uncomfortable.

Gloria Jean Abancio, a nurse, empowered students to make informed choices about drug use by explaining the classifications of drugs and their harmful effects on the body and mind.

Other personnel who graced the event were Hon. Psychie Marie Sy, head of the Peace and Order and Anti-Illegal Drugs Committee, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Lester Leada, deputy city director for operations. 

PLTCOL Leada said he was glad to be a part of this symposium. In his message, he thanked Pastor Samillano for the magazine he handed out on "War Against Drugs" printed by the Philippine Publishing House. 

Over 500 students from seven Bacolod City schools engaged in a lively open forum following the symposium. Participating schools included Adventist Academy Bacolod, Handumanan National High School, Abkasa National High School, Bata National High School, Baranggay Singcang Airport National High School, and Romanito P. Maravilla National High School.

As the event concluded, Pastor Joenie Samillano, NOC health director, said, "As part of the Bacolod City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, we are happy to hold this symposium for our senior high school students of Bacolod City."

Connecting this event to a church's advocacy, Pastor Samillano added, "As a church, we work with government agencies to help and offer healing when someone is a victim of abusive substances. We also impart to them our beliefs that our body is the temple of God." 

The Youth Anti-Drug Symposium displayed the power of church and community collaboration in safeguarding the youth. By empowering students with knowledge and providing a supportive environment, both institutions pave the way for a brighter, drug-free future.

By Stephanie V. Loriezo, NOC Communication Department

The original version of this article was posted on the official Facebook page of the Negros Occidental Conference.