Guimaras State University (GSU) convened students, faculty, and staff for a focused symposium on Drug Education and Vice Control on May 21, 2025, at the Audio-Visual Room, Salvador Campus.
Atty. David Abraham G. Garcia led the main session with a direct and substantive discussion on the nature and classifications of drugs, identifying behavioral and physical indicators of use, and laying out the short- and long-term health consequences of substance dependency.
He also examined the patterns behind drug use, citing socio-economic pressures, misinformation, and personal crises as contributing factors. Legal statutes, particularly provisions under RA 9165, were broken down to provide students with a working understanding of accountability under the law.
University Nurse Jean G. Baterzal set the tone with a brief message on the need for preventive education over reactive measures, stressing the role of universities in confronting high-risk behaviors before they escalate.
Likewise, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Erly M. Martir framed the issue beyond classroom learning—describing substance abuse as a barrier to personal growth, and affirming GSU’s role in shaping responsible, clear-minded individuals.
Moreover, Instructor Rey Arturo, adviser of the GSU Student Republic, encouraged students to act not just as learners, but as enablers of a safer campus culture.
The symposium drew the participation of student leaders, support staff, and academic personnel, exhibiting a shared recognition that campus safety is not merely procedural, but communal.
