CAS Faculty Member Attends CHED Workshop on Developing Drug-Free Learning Institutions

Ma. Francia S. Dechavez, Instructor I and Guidance Counselor at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), participated in the two-day workshop titled “Development of Drug-Free Learning Institutions” held on August 10-11, 2023, at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The workshop, sponsored by CHED, aimed to equip educators, student support administrators, and counselors with the tools and strategies needed to foster drug-free educational environments.

The workshop provided participants with insights into creating comprehensive prevention programs and promoting student well-being through mental health initiatives and healthy lifestyle alternatives. It focused on the importance of proactive prevention strategies, including awareness campaigns and education on the risks of substance abuse. The event also emphasized the critical role of educators and counselors in identifying at-risk students and offering timely support.

Collaboration was a key theme throughout the workshop, as participants were encouraged to foster open communication and cooperation among educators, parents, students, and the wider community. The workshop further highlighted the need for evidence-based practices and data-driven approaches to prevent drug use and create a safe, thriving learning environment.

Overall, the workshop underscored a holistic approach to developing drug-free learning institutions, prioritizing student well-being, academic success, and the cultivation of healthy habits, which Ma. Francia S. Dechavez plans to implement within CSPC to enhance the institution’s drug prevention initiatives.