2024 Reports | SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
NUMBER OF STUDENTS GRADUATING IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS
COLLABORATIONS AND HEALTH SERVICES
Current Collaborations with Health Institutions
Isabela State University (ISU) Ilagan Campus, in partnership with Governor Faustino N. Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital (GFNDSMH), the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Isabela (IPHO-Isabela), and the City Health Office – I of Ilagan (CHO-I) officially launched a six-month community health initiative on October 21, 2024.
The event included a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the partners and was framed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
The program kicked off with a health education seminar and activities aimed at building community awareness and promoting disease prevention. Student nurses and faculty led free vital sign checks, a Zumba session, and lectures on hypertension prevention and mental health awareness.
Designed to run weekly on Mondays through April 2025, the initiative seeks to strengthen local health capacity, encourage healthy lifestyles, and bring long-term community benefits through collaboration between the university and health institutions.
University Health Outreach Programmes
HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign Program
In observance of World AIDS Day 2024, student volunteers from the BSIT program of Isabela State University – Santiago Extension spearheaded an HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign on November 30, 2024, at the Barangay Amphitheatre in Rizal, Santiago City, Isabela. The initiative sought to educate both students and the local community about HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and care, while promoting understanding and reducing stigma surrounding the condition.
During the event, experts and HIV Focal Persons from the City Health Office provided insightful discussions on safe sex practices, preventive measures, and available health services for individuals living with HIV and AIDS. The City Health Office also facilitated free HIV/AIDS testing, encouraging early diagnosis and regular health checkups among participants. Through this outreach, attendees gained a deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS, learned to challenge misconceptions, and were encouraged to foster empathy and awareness within their communities.
Feeding and Gift-Giving Program
On March 14, 2024, the Isabela State University (ISU) Nursing Students, Alumni, and a “Balikbayan” joined hands for a meaningful Feeding and Gift-Giving Program held at Mabuhay–Carulay Elementary School in Barangay Carulay, Echague, Isabela. The event, organized by the Disaster and Nutrition Alliance of Nursing Students (DNANS) in partnership with the Lyceum of Echague Alumni, was led by Mr. Peter Dumaliang, a proud Batch ’68 alumnus and balikbayan from California, USA. Hosted by ISU CON’s Batch ’75, the activity served as a prelude to the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2024, marking the day as one filled with compassion, generosity, and community spirit.
More than just a charitable outreach, the program became a celebration of unity and shared purpose. Nursing students, clinical instructors, alumni, and local residents came together to serve meals and distribute gifts, school supplies, and hygiene kits to the children. The activity also provided students with valuable hands-on experience in care, empathy, and public service, while fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their community.
As the day concluded, the event stood as a testament to the power of giving back. Both recipients and volunteers left with hearts full of joy and gratitude—reminded that acts of kindness, no matter how simple, can nurture hope, strengthen bonds, and inspire others to serve with compassion and purpose.
Access to Shared Sports Facilities
Isabela State University (ISU), one of the Philippines’ leading state universities, has long been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community development. True to its mandate of serving not just its students but also the wider public, ISU has taken a proactive step in opening its sports facilities to the local community. This move reflects the university’s vision of inclusivity, wellness, and collaboration, making ISU a hub not only for learning but also for physical development and social cohesion.
The university’s sports facilities, which includes a variety of facilities such as a multi-purpose gymnasium, basketball and volleyball courts, a football field, a track and field oval, and fitness areas, is now accessible to members of the surrounding community, including youth groups, local athletes, non-student residents, and even senior citizens.
ISU’s administration has ensured that these facilities are shared with the people of Isabela and neighboring communities, especially during weekends, holidays, and after school hours. This initiative supports the idea that sports are not just for competition but for personal wellness, mental health, community interaction, and the promotion of an active lifestyle. The ISU Sports facilities is open as well to other institutional sports activities.
From July 1 to 5, 2024, the Isabela State University (ISU) in Echague, Isabela hosted the Association of State Colleges and Universities – Solid North (ASCU-SN) 2024 Sports and Socio-Cultural Festival, under the inspiring theme “Abante Norte: Embracing Differences, Celebrating Togetherness.” As a part of the commitment of Isabela State University, the sports facilities were opened for the use of the said event.
The official opening took place with a grand parade along the university track oval, where delegations from participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) entered in full regalia, each representing their region’s identity and pride. The event was graced by ISU President Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, who delivered warm remarks emphasizing how the festival serves as more than competition—it is a platform to strengthen camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared purpose among SUC employees and faculty athletes
Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services for Students
Isabela State University (ISU) demonstrates a strong commitment to the sexual and reproductive health of its students, recognizing that these services are integral to their overall well-being and academic success. The university actively works to de-stigmatize discussions surrounding sensitive topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and reproductive rights, fostering an environment of open and respectful dialogue between students and educators. This approach ensures that students feel comfortable seeking help and making informed decisions about their health, whether it involves routine care or addressing personal difficulties. ISU also prioritizes the emotional well-being of its students by providing resources and education that address the intersection of mental health and reproductive health, offering counseling services to alleviate the pressure and anxieties associated with issues like unintended pregnancies or relationship troubles. By taking a holistic approach, ISU aims to support students’ mental and physical health, empowering them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
ISU’s commitment extends beyond individual support to encompass public health initiatives within the university setting. The university implements educational programs on contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and responsible sexuality, aiming to reduce population risks within the student body. Through workshops, seminars, and awareness-generating exercises, ISU facilitates behavioral change, advocates for responsible sexual practices, and eradicates misconceptions surrounding sexual and reproductive health.
The ISU Infirmary plays a crucial role in promoting these services by actively conducting sex education programs across colleges, providing comprehensive information on safe sex practices, STIs, consent, and reproductive health rights. The infirmary also offers confidential consultations to students seeking guidance and treatment, meticulously manages data related to pregnancy cases while maintaining confidentiality, and provides the necessary support. Furthermore, ISU conducts advocacy campaigns, such as “Get Tested: Common STDs,” to raise awareness about STIs and encourage students to prioritize their sexual health through regular testing and open communication with partners.
ISU’s dedication to sexual and reproductive health is further exemplified through various initiatives that address specific health concerns and promote overall well-being. Seminars like “PCOS ON FOCUS: The Modern Female Epidemic” raise awareness about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a hormonal disorder affecting many women, while programs like “Batang-bata Ka Pa: Awareness on Sexuality and Reproductive Health of Adolescents” aim to address the rising teenage pregnancy rates by educating young people about the health and socioeconomic risks of early pregnancy. Additionally, ISU hosts symposiums on HIV/AIDS to educate students and faculty, promote prevention strategies, and reduce stigma surrounding the condition. Through these comprehensive efforts, ISU empowers students to make informed decisions, have healthy relationships, and exercise confident control over their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately building a healthier and more informed academic community where students can thrive.
“PCOS ON FOCUS: The Modern Female Epidemic” Seminar held on January 8, 2024 at the Climate Change R&D Hall, ISU Echague
In addition, ISU has also organized a symposium with the theme “Breaking Barriers: The Fight Against HIV/AIDS – Awareness Today, A Better Tomorrow,” on December 4, 2024, at the Open Gym, ISU Echague. The symposium aimed to educate students and faculty about HIV/AIDS, promote awareness of prevention strategies, and reduce stigma surrounding the condition. It was a highly engaging and informative event that brought together students and experts to raise awareness about one of the most critical global health concerns. The audience included approximately 147 students, faculty, and staff members of the College of Nursing. The presentation included a detailed explanation of HIV/AIDS: its definition, how it affects the human body, and its progression. The speaker also covered various risk factors and modes of transmission, with particular emphasis on sexual transmission, sharing of contaminated needles, and transmission from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. The incidence of HIV/AIDS in Isabela was also discussed, highlighting the specific groups of people most affected or at risk. The presentation revealed that the rise in cases locally often involved young adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with limited access to health education and resources.
Breaking Barriers: The Fight Against HIV/AIDS Symposium held on December 4, 2024, at the Open Gym, ISU Echague.
Mental Health Support for Students
The Isabela State University Echague Campus (ISU-E) Psychological Society successfully concluded its SILAY: A Mental Health Caravan at De Venecia Hall, ISU-Echague. Organized in collaboration with the Peer Facilitators Union and the College of Arts and Sciences, the event gathered students from various colleges to engage in meaningful dialogue about mental health. The caravan served as a platform for learning, reflection, and advocacy, fostering a supportive environment where students could feel understood and valued.
The second day of the event featured interactive sessions, sharing circles, and discussions focused on coping strategies, emotional awareness, and available mental health resources. Participants were encouraged to express their thoughts and experiences while learning the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and active listening in building a caring academic community.
Through this initiative, ISU-E and its student organizations demonstrated their commitment to normalizing mental health conversations and breaking stigma. The SILAY Caravan highlighted that mental wellness is a shared responsibility, not just an individual one, and strengthened ISU’s role as a nurturing institution that empowers students to thrive with emotional resilience, compassion, and confidence.
Smoke-Free Policy
Isabela State University (ISU) sustains promulgation and enforcement of “No Smoking Policy” in all its campuses. This policy extends to all buildings, facilities and grounds; It also includes a ban on the sale and advertisement of any tobacco products within the University. In fact, to ensure its implementation and compliance, Memorandum Order no. 115 s. 2019 from the office of the University President was issued and all Executive Officers of the different campuses are tasked to implement and maintain this policy. Moreover, signages have been prominently displayed in strategic locations across all ISU campuses. Through these comprehensive measures, ISU aims to cultivate a healthier and more productive environment for its entire community.
The “No Smoking Policy” of the University is pursuant to the Memorandum Circular No. 17, s. 2009 of the Civil Service Commission and Executive Order (EO) No. 26 and alignment with the national laws such as Clean Air Act and the Tobacco Regulation Act.
Mental Health Support for Staff
The Isabela State University (ISU) Ilagan Campus, in partnership with the Department of Health Region 2 – Integrated Provincial Health Office Isabela, conducted a Mental Health Awareness Seminar on October 30, 2024, with the theme “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” The event underscored the vital role of mental health in overall well-being and productivity, emphasizing the growing need to address psychological challenges in professional settings often marked by pressure and demanding workloads.
The seminar equipped ISU staff and faculty with knowledge and strategies to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and foster a supportive organizational culture. Through open discussions and experiential learning, participants were encouraged to overcome stereotypes about mental health and embrace compassion, understanding, and inclusivity in the workplace.
This initiative demonstrated ISU’s strong commitment to promoting holistic well-being and mental resilience among its academic community. By collaborating with government health agencies, the University continues to champion mental health advocacy and institutional responsibility, shaping professionals who are not only competent and driven but also empathetic, balanced, and mentally strong leaders in their fields.
