EMPOWERING students to make healthy choices and become advocates for the prevention of hazing and substance abuse, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), in collaboration with Eureka, the official Math and Science Organization of the Tertiary Schools, launched a seminar on "The Dangers of Hazing and Substance Abuse, and the Anti-Smoking Campaign of Muntinlupa City." The 2-in-1 seminar partnered with the Junior Bedan Law Circle, Bedan Psychological Society, and Beda.Comm held last Oct. 9 at the Fr. Roberto de Jesus Hall. 

     "They threaten not just the well-being of our students but also the very values of respect, safety, and solidarity that we uphold in our Bedan community," said Prof. Roma Sedo, the Dean of Student Affairs, in her opening remarks. She emphasized that it is a collective responsibility for students to be empowered to make informed choices grounded in respect for themselves and others. 

     Atty. Andrei Anne Palomar, an alumna of SBU, was the sole speaker for the event. She discussed how the Philippine laws and advertisements aid in the fight for drug abuse prevention. In her talk, Palomar mentioned reasons why people turn to drugs, such as peer pressure, curiosity, desire to escape reality, frustration, boredom, low self-esteem, and inability to cope with stress and conflict. 

     To conclude the discussion on substance abuse, she presents emergency hotlines and offices one may contact for help, including 1553 for the National Center for Mental Health and 163 for Bantay Bata. "Never be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is not [a] weakness," she stresses. 

     "They can promise you a lot of things, [but] kailangan ba saktan muna ako bago ako makasali sa inyo?" Atty. Palomar asks the audience about the second topic, hazing. Dwelling deeper on the laws behind it, she also explained using real-life cases. People join unrecognized organizations through peer pressure, curiosity, and so-called connections. 

     Lastly, she calls on the people already members of unrecognized organizations "to stop hurting other people, let the cycle end with you." Atty. Palomar reminds students that being a member is not wrong, but the initiation rites that involve hazing.  

     For the closing remarks, Prof. Mark Louis Cañete, the Prefect of Student Discipline and Character Formation, emphasizes that as a Bedan family, the students are already brothers and sisters. "I hope we take a sense of responsibility in participating in a safe [and] healthy Bedan community," he expressed. 

     In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Clarisse Saddi (III-BSA), president of Eureka, mentions how relevant seminars on the topic are even with the waiver issued by SBCA regarding fraternities and sororities since there are inevitable circumstances. Saddi also adds that Eureka's focus for this year is to go beyond math and science and venture out to mental health awareness, anti-drugs, anti-hazing, and environmental protection and management. "Nakikipag-coordinate kami sa lahat ng pwede kami makatulong," she said.