Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, through the Office of Student Affairs and Services with the Health and Safety Office and the Basic Education Department, hosted the Hands-Up EU program at the University Gymnasium in Lucena on Nov. 19, 2024, to strengthen the university’s smoke-free campus rules through expert talks, student engagement, and coordinated enforcement guidance.
The Hands-Up EU campaign—Enverga’s unified program for a Healthy, Abuse-Negative, Drug-free, and Smoke-free campus—featured sessions on the harms of smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes; drug-abuse prevention; and student safety, with senior high and college students taking part.
Dr. May Crystel Rago-Aranilla discussed the harmful effects of smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes, emphasizing the dangers to adolescents and young adults. “Switching to vape or e-cigarette is not a good alternative to smoking,” Dr. Rago-Aranilla said.
PCMS Erick Estelar led an interactive session on drug-abuse prevention. He highlighted the role of schools and communities in combating illegal drugs. “The fight against illegal drugs requires the involvement of schools and the community,” PCSMS Estelar emphasized.
PSSgt. Ana Paral addressed the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, focusing on how social media contributes to human trafficking. While sharing that Lucena City has minimal cases, she encouraged students to report any incidents. “It’s crucial to report any incidents of trafficking,” said PSSgt. Ana Paral is reminding the students of their roles.
Atty. Francis Edgardo Lavarro explained the Anti-Hazing Law and the importance of institutional guidelines to prevent hazing. As an MSEUF alumnus, he expressed confidence in the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe academic environment. “I am confident that MSEUF students do not engage in hazing activities,” he said.
Program partners also briefed students on reporting channels and campus protocols that uphold smoke-free spaces alongside other safety policies, reinforcing prevention through education and behavior standards.
This initiative aligned with MSEUF’s mission and values of Mindfulness, Service, and Excellence by promoting healthy choices and protecting students and staff from tobacco and vape exposure. It practiced outcomes-oriented, student-centered learning as learners applied evidence-based guidance to daily conduct and peer advocacy on a smoke-free campus.
Related UN SDGs
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being — The Hands-Up EU campaign operationalized the university’s smoke-free rules through education, engagement, and reporting pathways that reduce tobacco and vape exposure on campus.
SDG 4: Quality Education — Expert-led seminars improved health literacy so students can make informed decisions and model healthy behavior.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — OSAS, HSO, and the Basic Education Department coordinated to sustain smoke-free implementation and community compliance.
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