PUP-DCR’s Third Talakalayaan Project Resounds with Success, Strengthening Community Empowerment
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Department of Communication Research (DCR) and the PUP-Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (OCPS), in partnership with the Centre for Neighbourhood Studies Inc. (CeNS), organized the extension project dubbed as Fitmalu 3 on November 26, 2023. With a theme “Communicating Wellness: Drug Addiction, Prevention, and Control,” this initiative aimed to benefit the residents of Del Rosario Neighborhood Compound Inc. (DRCNAI) in Barangay Caloong I, Valenzuela City. The event was conducted at the barangay’s Multipurpose Hall, simultaneously reaching a wider audience through a Zoom livestream.
Mr. Rommel Laxamana, DRCNAI President, inaugurated the program. Followed by messages from OCPS Director Prof. Barbara P. Camacho and CeNS President Dr. Mario R. Delos Reyes, while Dr. Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna, the project head, introduced the speakers.
Moreover, Ms. Rosabella M. Quindoza of PUP-DCR and CeNS, highlighted the significant strides made since the inception of their partnership. Rooting from a Memorandum of Understanding on Research and Extension Collaboration between CeNS and PUP in 2021, the initiative has produced impactful programs such as the Hygiene and Sanitation Webinar last December 2021, Joint Conduct of Community Needs Assessment (2021–2022), and the Mental Health Webinar and Counselling last October 2022.
In line with their commitment to community welfare, the third Talakalayaan Project aims to address pressing issues surrounding drug misuse and prevention.
Realities of Drug Addiction
For the first session, Dr. Rodrigo D. De Mesa, a medical doctor and a PUP-DCR faculty member, led an eye-opening talk on Drug Addiction 101, breaking down the impact of drug misuse on the body. He emphasized how drug addiction can lead to issues like having mental health problems, troubles with the lungs and heart, infections, liver damage, and even the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.
Dr. De Mesa concluded his talk by highlighting the role of communication in treating drug addiction.
“Dapat po makipag usap tayo, tulungan natin ang tao, huwag nating katakutan. Dahil hangga’t makokontrol natin, hangga’t makakausap natin ang taong naaadik, maari natin siyang matulungan”
[Let’s engage in open conversations and extend our support to individuals struggling with addiction. We shouldn’t be afraid, because as long as we can communicate with those facing addiction, we can help them recover.]
Navigating the Path to Recovery
Meanwhile, in the following session, Dr. Rodrigo V. Lopiga, Doctor of Psychology and a faculty of PUP Department of Psychology, took the lead in discussing Drug Prevention and Control. Dr. Lopiga explained the crucial role of seeking professional help for individuals suffering with drug addiction. He talked about the collaborative efforts of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, psychometricians, nurses, and barangay health workers in assessing the severity of addiction and devising appropriate intervention strategies.
To sum up his discourse, Dr. Lopiga discussed the importance of aftercare and the challenges of making rehab programs sustainable.
The lecture ended in an engaging open forum moderated by Ms. Irish M. Manlapas, Neighbourhood Research Associate at CeNS and a distinguished alumna of the PUP-DCR, followed by the closing remarks delivered by Dr. Edna T. Bernabe, an esteemed Extension Management Coordinator of the PUP College of Communication.
The event was deemed successful as it not only addresses critical issues surrounding drug misuse but also underscores the significant role of communication in treating addiction, developing open conversations, and extending support to those on the path to recovery.
