SorSU, in partnership with DOH Bicol, launches PROGRAM SYNAPSE: Synergistic Yields Network for Advancing Public Health and Scientific Expertise — empowers community members of Brgy. Salog, along with DOH’s “Healthy Pilipinas: Health is Life” campaign initiative
With the primary aim to foster a holistic understanding and integration of nutrition and mental health among participants, cultivate improved overall well-being within the community, as well as implement the DOH’s “Healthy Pilipinas: Health is Life” campaign, Sorsogon State University (SorSU), headed by Dr. Aaron A. Funa (Program Leader & Overall Chair), together with SorSU faculty extensionists, and in collaboration with the Department of Health – Regional Office V (DOH-ROV), launches an extension project called PROGRAM SYNAPSE: Synergistic Yields Network for Advancing Public Health and Scientific Expertise, particularly the Workout Cookout Program for the month of July — empowering beneficiaries from Barangay Salog with emphasis on diet and exercise (Seven Healthy Habits: 1. Move More, Eat Right), held on July 6, 2024, at the SorSU Covered Court, Sorsogon City Campus.
Carrying the theme, “Sama-samang Mag-ehersisyo at Kumain ng Masustansiya para sa isang Healthy Pilipinas,” the Workout Cookout Program’s second session began with engaging Zumba exercises, led by Mr. Tomas M. Encinares, Jr. (CoTEdM faculty) and Ms. Ma. Cosna E. Jacob (CBM faculty), which was actively joined by the participants from Brgy. Salog. The participants, alongside the faculty extensionists, moved and grooved to the upbeat aerobic fitness activity prepared by the University.
Following the Zumba sessions, Ms. Amelyn D. Dio (SorSU-LHS faculty) discussed an informative talk session on the various benefits of exercises. The second session’s welcome message was delivered by Ms. Mary Anne Frances D. Reyes (Program Chair, BS Midwifery), while Mr. Robert J. Jamisola (CoTEdM faculty) gave the closing remarks.
The activity was graced by Mr. Steve Phenol (HEPO III, Health Promotion Unit-DOH Bicol), and encouraged the participants to regularly practice the Seven Healthy Habits of the DOH’s Healthy Pilipinas program: (1) Move More, Eat Right; (2) Be Clean, Live Sustainably; (3) Get Vaccinated; (4) Don’t Smoke, Lessen Alcohol, Say No to Drugs; (5) Care for Yourself, Care for Others; (6) Practice Safe Sex; (7) Do No Harm, Put Safety First.
Present also during the event were Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (Vice President for Academic Affairs) and Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, Sorsogon City Campus).
The first session of the extension project was organized last Saturday, June 29, 2024, whereas its third and last session will be held on July 13, 2024. Meanwhile, in October, SorSU’s Program SYNAPSE will highlight mental health activities (Seven Healthy Habits: 5. Care for Yourself, Care for Others), in celebration of World Mental Health Month. Notably, the year-long extension project consists of three components aligned with selected DOH priority areas on the Healthy Pilipinas initiative: (1) Diet and Exercise; (2) Mental Health – a. Gupit Lupit & b. Thank You Self; and (3) Education, IEC, and Dissemination.
SorSU supports campaign initiatives of government agencies like DOH in alleviating and addressing health issues in local communities and broader society through collaborative evidence-based interventions and projects. (SorSU PIO)
Photo credits: Dr. Aaron A. Funa & SorSU PIO
