PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), represented by President Joy M. Sorrosa, PhD, and the Department of Health – Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) in Davao City, led by Chief of Hospital Reagan Joseph T. Villanueva, MD, FPCAM, MAHA, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on October 14, 2024.

The signing ceremony, held at the DNSC Gender and Development Conference Room, symbolizes the strengthening of a partnership aimed at supporting the student work immersion of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program and ensuring a drug-free workplace.

“DNSC is committed to supporting DOH-DATRC by deploying well-prepared and motivated student interns… In the spirit of collaboration, this ceremony today invites us to share a vision of progress, sustainability, and empowerment,” assured President Sorrosa, emphasizing the College’s commitment to its responsibilities in the partnership.

Possible research and extension collaborations were also discussed during the event, with members of the Drug-Free DNSC committee present. The committee expressed its willingness to be mentored by the rehabilitation center in preventive and responsive measures for the campaign.

Dr. Villanueva also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He shared his vision: “Schools are the biggest avenue where we can conduct preventive campaigns. Although some cases require rehabilitation, it is important to acknowledge this to address the problem effectively. By enhancing prevention, we can minimize harm. We need to strengthen our education and preventive campaigns so that in five to ten years, we will reap the benefits with a minimal admission rate.”