23/04/2026
Enabling Bodies and Empowering Women's Health: Dual Health Initiatives Boost Community Wellness
Residents of Barangay Napo came together in a vibrant display of energy and unity as the College of Nursing Faculty-Extension Unit successfully conducted “Move Napo: A Zumba Fitness Activity” as part of the NAPO Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Project on April 18, 2026, at Napo, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.
The health initiative aimed at a broader goal of health promotion and disease prevention by empowering individuals to take proactive roles in maintaining their well-being. The activity highlighted the crucial role of regular movement in maintaining overall health and reducing lifestyle-related diseases through the active participation of community members in the session, encouraging them to embrace exercise as a sustainable and enjoyable way to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases.
After the Zumba activity, the program moved on to its educational aspect. MAN Students and faculty members spearheaded “Juana, Ikaw ang Ilaw: Liwanag ng Ina, Kalusugan ng Pamilya” under the C-A-R-E Program through the project “Alagang Ina: Maternal Self-Care and Health Awareness Initiative.” The program formally commenced by the delivery of opening remarks of Dr. Bernardo Oliber A. Arde Jr., MAN Program Head, followed by the message of Dr. Francis Don L. Nero, Dean of the College of Nursing. Their messages stressed the importance of women and mothers taking care of themselves, being active in the maintenance of their own health, and the vital role that they play in contributing to their family’s good health.
The activity was geared toward women of reproductive age, providing awareness on maternal health and self-care practices through the program’s lecture session. Participants were educated on common maternal conditions, essential care during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods, and potential complications to watch for during pregnancy. It further underscored that for women to be able to help others maintain good health, they should prioritize their own health first.
Certificates and tokens were presented to the participants, faculty members, and Punong Barangay as an appreciation of their active involvement in the activity, which has been successfully executed. The program concluded with closing remarks delivered by Punong Barangay, Mr. Candido Quinto, wherein he expressed his gratitude to the organizers for a productive event and highlighted the significance of continued health initiatives in the community.
The achievement of these extension activities speaks volumes about the College of Nursing's continuous dedication to maintaining partnerships through community engagement, addressing health needs, and advocating for the active participation of individuals in managing their own health, thereby fostering a healthier, adaptive, and resilient community.
Lexie Aaron
