Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) is committed to ensuring the well-being, dignity, and holistic development of its student community by providing inclusive, accessible, and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services across its campuses. Guided by national health standards and in strong partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), and local health offices, EVSU implements programs that equip students with knowledge, resources, and professional support toward responsible health practices.
- Reproductive health consultations and counseling delivered by trained medical professionals and guidance counselors.
- Access to free contraceptives and safe family-planning methods in collaboration with local health units.
- HIV/AIDS and STI awareness initiatives including regular on-campus orientations, voluntary testing drives, and referrals to accredited health facilities
- Menstrual health and hygiene promotion with periodic distribution of sanitary products, health talks, and support for female students in need
- Awareness campaigns on adolescent health, prevention of teenage pregnancy, and responsible relationships through seminars, webinars, and advocacy events
- Confidential guidance and psychosocial support for students navigating sensitive SRH issues
Moreover, EVSU integrates SRH topics into various wellness and student-support programs, ensuring that learners not only receive care but also develop informed decision-making skills regarding their health and overall well-being.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services for StudentsEastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC)
In its continued commitment to safeguard student well-being and promote responsible sexual and reproductive health practices, Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC) strengthened its health advocacy initiatives through a strategic partnership with Global Care Philippines. On January 30, 2024, both institutions formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Campus Director’s Office, establishing a comprehensive and collaborative framework to support adolescent health needs, empower student-parents, and expand access to relevant services on campus.
This partnership prioritizes Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) through jointly designed and evaluated campaigns that equip students with accurate information using the “Teenspire Curriculum” and other evidence-based educational materials. The program focuses on preventive education, safe practices, and responsible decision-making to reduce health risks among youth.
Complementing health awareness, the collaboration promotes values education, emphasizing academic continuity, responsible parenthood, and healthy family relationships through structured learning sessions, advocacy campaigns, and student engagement initiatives.
Recognizing the socioeconomic challenges often faced by young parents, EVSU-CC and Global Care also implement livelihood capacity-building programs aimed at developing practical and income-generating skills. These include fish culture and trade, fish processing, cooperatives, and entrepreneurship training—providing pathways for financial stability and improved quality of life.
To effectively increase outreach and accessibility, the partnership enhances Information and Communication Management (ICM) by expanding online teen center resources, creating digital and print campaign materials, and developing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) contents tailored to youth audiences.
Through this collaboration, EVSU-CC ensures that students—especially adolescents and teen parents—are supported holistically with the right knowledge, values, and opportunities. The University’s proactive approach contributes significantly to creating a campus environment where students are informed, empowered, and well-cared for, aligning strongly with global health and well-being priorities promoted under SDG 3.
Empowering Women for Responsible Parenthood
In celebration of National Women’s Month 2024, the Gender and Development Youth Council (GADYC) of Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus, led by Coordinator Mr. John Niño Pallan, MAMEd, successfully organized a seminar titled “Empowering Women: Navigating Human Sexuality and Parenthood” on March 19, 2024, at the EVSU Carigara Mini Gymnasium.
The program opened with Mr. Pallan acknowledging the presence of faculty members, students, and esteemed guest speakers, followed by an uplifting performance by Ms. Lorraine M. Raquel of the Education Department, setting an empowering and engaging tone for the event.
The seminar featured comprehensive discussions from three distinguished speakers:
PSMS Merlita C. Candido, the first resource speaker, provided an in-depth discussion on Republic Act 9262 – The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, emphasizing the different forms of abuse including physical, psychological, economic, and sexual violence. She also tackled Republic Act 7877 and Republic Act 11313, reinforcing legal frameworks that protect women’s rights and uphold gender equality.
Mr. Patty Bullecer followed with a lecture on the fundamentals of human sexuality. He clarified key concepts on sex, gender, and gender roles, enabling students to better understand the complexities of identity, expression, and human relationships.
The seminar concluded with Dr. Maria Bella V. Profetana, MD, FPMS, who emphasized responsible parenthood and the value of love, accountability, and preparedness in raising children. She highlighted that sex is an intimate expression within relationships and that couples must be ready not only during pregnancy but throughout the child’s growth and development.
In her closing message, Mrs. Bonita Shigella F. Cotoner, RN, Carigara Campus Nurse, expressed her gratitude to the engaged participants and the resource speakers for sharing their expertise and time.
This initiative proved highly successful in equipping attendees with essential knowledge on reproductive health, gender rights, and responsible parenthood, reinforcing EVSU’s commitment to empowering women and fostering a safe, informed, and equitable learning environment in support of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
EVSU-CC Promotes Cervical Health Awareness: Learn, Prevent, Screen
In support of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Dental and Medical Section of Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC), in collaboration with the Gender and Development Youth Council (GADYC), conducted a vital orientation session on May 10, 2024 at the EVSU-CC Mini Gymnasium. The activity was led by Mrs. Bonita Shigella C. Cotoner, RN, MAN, Campus Nurse, together with Mr. John Niño Pallan, GAD Coordinator.
Mrs. Cotoner delivered an insightful and informative discussion aimed at empowering women to safeguard their reproductive health. She highlighted six key strategies for cervical cancer prevention:
- Regular screening through Pap smears or HPV tests
- HPV vaccination for protection against high-risk virus strains
- Safe and responsible sexual practices
- Healthy lifestyle choices to support immunity and well-being
- Continuous education on cervical health risks and prevention
- Consistent follow-up care with healthcare providers
Her discussion emphasized that cervical cancer is highly preventable when women are equipped with the right knowledge, timely screening, and proper health care interventions.
The event successfully raised awareness and motivated young women, particularly first-year female students and campus employees, to take an active role in prioritizing their health. By encouraging early detection and preventive care, EVSU-CC continues to foster a supportive environment that promotes health equity and well-being within the university community.
This initiative further strengthens EVSU’s advocacy on reproductive health, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being ensuring that women are informed and protected.
These initiatives are anchored on evidence-based practices and aim to dismantle stigma while encouraging open, informed, and responsible conversations on sexual and reproductive health among the youth. Through these sustained efforts, Eastern Visayas State University remains steadfast in cultivating a safe, empowered, and health-literate academic community—ensuring equitable, respectful, and stigma-free access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services for all students.
