University of Luzon Drives Awareness on Juvenile Diabetes Prevention

The University of Luzon (UL) has demonstrated its commitment to international academic cooperation and public health by hosting a collaborative Community Empowerment program focused on diabetes awareness among children and adolescents. This crucial initiative, co-organized with partners from Indonesia, brought together leading experts, local health workers, and families to address the growing, yet often overlooked, concern of juvenile diabetes within the region. The commitment of the University of Luzon to public welfare is exemplified through such strategic outreach, ensuring that vital health knowledge reaches the community’s foundational structures.

The virtual seminar, titled “Community-Based Intervention for Diabetes Awareness in School Children,” took place on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM, featuring specialized instruction from prominent nursing professionals of the Health Polytechnic of Bengkulu, Indonesia. This international collaborative effort saw Ns. Mercy Nafratilova, M.Kep, Sp.Kep, An, serve as the principal speaker, offering in-depth insights into early prevention strategies and clinical management relevant to pediatric cases. She was ably supported by Ns. Septiyanti, S.Kep., M.Pd, who participated as a dedicated member of the expert team, reinforcing the quality and depth of the information shared. The program was specifically designed to be a collaborative approach, engaging directly with health workers and families from the communities of Brgy. Nilombot and Brgy. Banzal, both in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. This focused outreach underscores the philosophy that while diabetes can affect young people, early prevention is possible and hinges on sustained, community-wide collaboration. The core message resonated throughout the session: “Together, we can build a diabetes-aware community.”

As a leading academic institution committed to regional development, the University of Luzon facilitates such outreach programs to fulfill its mission of public service and to enrich the academic experience of its students, the Luzonians. For those pursuing careers in the health sciences, nursing, and public administration, events like this online lecture provide invaluable real-world context, linking theoretical knowledge to practical application in community health initiatives. The session provided practical tools and essential communication strategies for Barangay Health Workers to implement effective screening, education, and support at the grassroots level, ensuring that the critical knowledge shared extends far beyond the virtual classroom and into the homes of those who need preventative information most.

Ultimately, this health initiative by the University of Luzon directly supports the global effort toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the program champions SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by focusing intently on preventive care and promoting health literacy to reduce the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, among vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the collaborative framework established with an international institution (Health Polytechnic of Bengkulu) and local government health units and community families exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how institutional expertise, targeted community action, and cross-sectoral collaboration can converge to create sustained, positive societal impact. The University remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a future where all Luzonians and community members are empowered with the knowledge required to lead healthier lives.