Freshman students from the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus attended a symposium aimed at cultivating the values and morals in the academic lives of students, dubbed ‘A Symposium on Life and Love,’ held at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium, Wednesday, October 9.

Organized by the Human Life International (HLI), the said symposium commenced with a talk on Protection of Human Life led by the Regional Director of Asia and Oceania of HLI, Dr. Ligaya A. Acosta, focusing on issues such as abortion, and sharing the importance of safeguarding human lives.

Moreover, Dr. Brian Clowes, Director of Research and Education of HLI, then focused his talk on The Population Control Agenda, addressing how various countries around the world approach population control.

Following the morning session, Dr. Acosta returned to discuss Gender Ideology, highlighting the acceptance of a person’s sexuality and the significance of marriage between a man and a woman.

Dr. Clowes continued the symposium by presenting The Secret of Happiness, which emphasized following God’s plan for human life and avoiding sin and also stressed that science and the moral teachings of the Catholic Church are intertwined, with faith contributing to scientific understanding.

Further, Dr. Acosta concluded the symposium with a discussion on Love, Sex, and Life, covering topics such as teenage pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), abortion, and empowering teens to make responsible decisions regarding sex. In an interview with one of the organizers of the symposium, Dr. Marlon E. Lora, Director of the campus’ National Service Training Program (NSTP), highlighted the importance of holding such an event for freshman students.

“The symposium is about training us, especially young people, to make choices aligned with the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church, as most of us are Catholics,” Dr. Lora said.

Meanwhile, Alexander Gabriel Turalde, an attendee from the College of Engineering, shared valuable insights he gained from the symposium.

“Gender identities foster understanding and respect for diverse experiences. Respect them if they respect us and, especially, God. Secondly, being close to God can promote compassion and moral guidance. Lastly, safe sex education ensures health and responsibility, balancing faith and practical awareness,” he expressed.

The symposium, held in partnership with HLI and with the cooperation of the Archdiocese of Palo’s Most Rev. John F. Du, DD, was attended by first-year students as a partial requirement for their NSTP component.
Article by Carl Dotingco