Current Collaborations with Health Institutions

Leyte Normal University (LNU) actively partners with local, national, and international health institutions to enhance community health outcomes and strengthen the university’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

These collaborations reflect LNU’s holistic approach to health promotion, preventive care, and mental wellness, ensuring that both university stakeholders and surrounding communities benefit from evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable health programs.

Local Collaborations

LNU sustains dynamic partnerships with local government units and community-based health institutions in Tacloban City to deliver responsive and inclusive healthcare initiatives. These collaborations promote community health literacy, strengthen first-aid and emergency response systems, and extend the reach of university-based medical services to the public.

Key partnerships include:

• Tacloban City Health Office (CHO) – A long-standing local partner in conducting medical and mental health outreach activities. In 2024, CHO co-facilitated PROTECT LNU: A Collaborative Mental Health Awareness Campaign, a flagship mental health initiative that provided psychoeducation, stress management sessions, and on-site mental health support to students and personnel. More information from this partnership can be found in this link.
• Tacloban City Local Government Unit (LGU) – Collaborated with LNU’s Medical Services Team to deploy medics and first aiders during large-scale community and inter-school events such as the 2024 Mayor’s Cup Tournament. This partnership ensures immediate medical assistance and strengthens local disaster and emergency preparedness systems.
• Philippine Red Cross – Tacloban Chapter – Partnered during the School Health Week Celebration 2024 and other campus events to deliver first-aid training, blood donation campaigns, and emergency response demonstrations.
• Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Co-partners during the School Health Week Health Fair 2024, supporting advocacy and educational booths on responsible lifestyle choices, reproductive health, and substance abuse prevention.

These partnerships emphasize LNU’s leadership in local health education and community wellness advocacy, transforming the campus into a regional model for integrated health promotion.

National Collaborations

At the national level, Leyte Normal University (LNU) works closely with government agencies and professional organizations to elevate public health awareness and enhance workforce development in the health professions. These collaborations provide technical expertise, health screening services, and specialized public health campaigns in line with national health priorities.

Notable collaborations include:

• Department of Health – Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH–EVCHD) – Partner in multiple School Health Week activities, including health talks on tuberculosis prevention, STI/HIV awareness, and lifestyle disease management. DOH–EVCHD also operated an on-campus HIV testing booth, offering free, confidential testing and counseling to students and staff.
• Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) – Tacloban Chapter – Co-organized PROTECT LNU: A Collaborative Mental Health Awareness Campaign in September 2024, providing expert mental health talks and community engagement sessions led by licensed family physicians.
• Philippine Heart Association – Eastern Visayas Chapter – Conducted National Heart Month activities in 2023, including cardiovascular health lectures and wellness screenings for employees and students, reinforcing heart-healthy habits within the LNU community.

Office of the President and National Government Agencies – LNU served as the host venue of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) on August 2–3, 2024, the largest government service convergence ever held in Region VIII. The event gathered multiple national agencies—including the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and various Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs)—to provide free health consultations, nutrition and hygiene support, social welfare assistance, and livelihood programs. Through this collaboration, over 253,000 beneficiaries received essential health and social services, amounting to ₱1.26 billion in assistance. LNU’s hosting of this major national initiative strengthened its partnership with government agencies in advancing equitable access to health and well-being services across Eastern Visayas. 

For more information, click on this link.

Through these partnerships, LNU aligns its institutional initiatives with national public health priorities and SDG 3 Targets 3.3 (Combating Communicable Diseases), 3.4 (Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases), 3.8 (Universal Access to Essential Health Services), and 3.C (Strengthening the Health Workforce).

Global Cooperation

LNU’s health and wellness programs are also aligned with global public health frameworks and practices. While most partnerships operate within the regional and national scope, LNU demonstrates a growing international orientation by integrating World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed observances, standards, and frameworks into campus-wide campaigns.

Examples include:

• Integration of global health observances such as World Mental Health Day, World AIDS Day, and World Tuberculosis Day into annual School Health Week and university wellness activities.
• Engagement of internationally trained specialists such as Dr. Floro M. Camenforte Jr., an Integrative Medicine Practitioner, and Dr. Jhoanna Paola Pigar, an Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist, who served as resource speakers for health talks promoting holistic health, oral care, and lifestyle disease prevention.
• Adoption of globally recognized health practices — including mindfulness-based mental health sessions (“Unleash Your Inner Calm: Mindfulness for Busy Lives”) — to promote psychological resilience and well-being among faculty and staff, reflecting alignment with WHO’s mental health framework.

These initiatives affirm LNU’s role as an emerging global partner in higher education for health promotion, fostering internationally aligned, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive health education.

Collaborations for SDG 3

Health Outreach Programs

Leyte Normal University (LNU) upholds its mission to advance Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being by extending its health services beyond the campus through community-based outreach programmes. These initiatives—implemented by the Medical Services Office (MSO), the Guidance and Testing Office (GTO), and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO)—deliver preventive health education, screening, and wellness services to local and vulnerable populations. LNU’s outreach model integrates student volunteering, inter-agency collaboration, and evidence-based health promotion, ensuring that community impact complements its academic and research goals.

Outreach to Local Communities

LNU conducts a wide array of health outreach programmes within Tacloban City and neighboring communities, addressing pressing health and wellness concerns.

Key initiatives include:

• School Health Week Celebration 2024 – A flagship multi-day outreach event themed “Be Well, Be Strong: A Week of Mind, Body, and Community.” The program reached hundreds of students, employees, and community members through health fairs, medical talks, and preventive screenings.
  • Oral Health Promotion (“The Amazing World of Teeth”) educated early learners of the Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) on dental hygiene, proper brushing, and nutrition for oral wellness. https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1AMD9kSiX6/ 
  • Health Talk Series addressed lifestyle diseases, STIs and HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis prevention, and drug and substance abuse, conducted with DOH–EVCHD medical professionals.
  • Blood Donation Drive 2024 (“Strong Heart, Strong Community”) was implemented in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, promoting voluntary blood donation and cardiovascular awareness.

Through these efforts, LNU effectively promotes community health literacy, preventive care, and lifestyle wellness in line with SDG 3 Targets 3.4 (noncommunicable disease prevention) and 3.8 (universal health coverage).

Outreach to Disadvantaged and At-Risk Groups

LNU demonstrates inclusivity in its outreach by addressing the specific health needs of students, employees, and marginalized community members who may lack access to preventive care.

• Free Health Screenings for new students, student interns, and SCUAA athletes, ensuring early detection and management of health risks among vulnerable and active populations. https://web.facebook.com/share/p/16XhCwYQa7/ 
• Mental Health Awareness Campaigns — such as “PROTECT LNU: A Collaborative Mental Health Awareness Campaign” (September 2024) and “Unleash Your Inner Calm: Mindfulness for Busy Lives” (October 2024) — promoted stress management, self-care, and resilience among employees and students. These sessions targeted individuals at higher psychosocial risk post-disaster or amid academic stress.
• Home Visits for Students with Mental Health Concerns (2023) — coordinated by the GTO and University Physician, providing confidential psychosocial and medical support to disadvantaged students.
• Vaccination Drives — including influenza and pneumococcal immunization for employees and their dependents in 2023, contributing to preventive health access for lower-income families.

These activities exemplify LNU’s dedication to serving disadvantaged populations and ensuring inclusive access to healthcare, consistent with SDG 3 Target 3.D (capacity for managing health risks).

Outreach to Refugee and Displaced Communities

While Eastern Visayas does not host large-scale refugee populations, the region frequently faces disaster-induced displacement due to typhoons and floods. In this context, LNU’s outreach programs extend to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and disaster-affected communities through:

• Deployment of First Aid and Medical Teams during civic and emergency events in partnership with the Tacloban City LGU and DRRMO, providing immediate medical attention to participants and displaced residents.
• Health and Disaster Preparedness Integration — training sessions conducted during School Health Week and DRRM activities to promote hygiene, disease prevention, and mental health support during post-disaster recovery.

These engagements illustrate LNU’s readiness to assist displaced and vulnerable populations, emphasizing community resilience and health risk reduction, in line with SDG 3 Target 3.D and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Summary Table: LNU Health Outreach Programmes

Through its multi-level outreach programmes, Leyte Normal University translates academic expertise into tangible community health outcomes. The university’s Medical Services Office, supported by its faculty, staff, and student volunteers, operates as a community wellness hub, fostering health promotion, disease prevention, and psychosocial well-being. These sustained engagements affirm LNU’s integral role in advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and in modeling how higher education institutions can unite teaching, service, and impact-driven community engagement.

Shared Sports Facilities

Leyte Normal University (LNU) actively contributes to community health and well-being by opening its sports and physical activity facilities for shared use with local schools, government units, and community organizations. This initiative demonstrates the university’s strong commitment to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by encouraging inclusive access to safe spaces for physical exercise, sports development, and large-scale community engagement.

LNU’s sports and multipurpose facilities—such as the Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) Gymnasium, Alba Hall, and university open grounds—are regularly utilized not only for academic and institutional activities but also by external groups and local stakeholders. These facilities are made available free of charge or at minimal cost, depending on the type and scale of activity, in accordance with university policies on community partnership and resource sharing.

The university has hosted numerous inter-school and civic events, including:

• Commencement Exercises and Recognition Ceremonies of neighboring public schools and colleges that lack large indoor venues;
• Local Government Unit (LGU) events such as health fairs, sports competitions, and youth leadership programs;
• Regional athletic events, including the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) tournaments and invitational sports activities; and
• Fitness and wellness events such as Zumba marathons and community aerobics sessions organized during university wellness celebrations.

These shared uses promote physical activity, social cohesion, and community engagement, while strengthening partnerships between LNU and local stakeholders. By maintaining open access to its facilities, the university supports a culture of inclusive recreation and ensures that its infrastructure directly benefits the wider community beyond the campus.

Summary Table: Shared Sports Facilities

Through its policy of shared access to sports and wellness facilities, Leyte Normal University enables equitable opportunities for recreation and fitness across its community partners. This approach aligns with SDG 3 Target 3.4, promoting health and well-being through active living and social inclusion, while reinforcing LNU’s role as a community-centered public university 

Sexual and Reproductive Health-Care Services for Students

Leyte Normal University (LNU) ensures that all students have access to accurate information, counseling, and medical services related to sexual and reproductive health. Guided by its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (RA 10354), the university’s Medical Services Office (MSO) and Guidance and Testing Office (GTO) work jointly to promote responsible health choices, prevent sexually transmitted infections, and foster respect for reproductive rights.

Health Education and Awareness

LNU integrates reproductive-health education into its yearly outreach and campus-wide health campaigns:

• During the School Health Week 2024, the university hosted a Health Talk on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) titled “Taking Control of Your Sexual Health.”
  • The session, delivered by Dr. Ludina L. Insigne from the Department of Health – Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) and the National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program, provided students with vital information on STI prevention, HIV awareness, and responsible sexual behavior.
  • Topics included transmission, early detection, stigma reduction, and the importance of regular testing. https://web.facebook.com/share/p/17jnKutqnE/
• Concurrently, the HIV and STIs Health Fair 2024, organized by LNU in partnership with DOH-EVCHD and the Tacloban City Health Office, offered free, confidential HIV testing and counseling to students. The fair also featured booths on reproductive health, safe sex practices, and peer-education opportunities.

On-Campus Health Services

LNU’s Medical and Dental Clinic provides confidential consultations and referral services for students seeking advice or assistance on reproductive and sexual health matters. Students can access:

• Private medical consultations with licensed physicians and nurses trained in adolescent and reproductive health;
• Counseling and psychosocial support coordinated by the Guidance and Testing Office (GTO) for cases involving relationship, mental-health, or sexual-health concerns;
• Referral mechanisms to accredited government facilities (e.g., DOH-EVCHD, Tacloban City Health Office) for specialized care, testing, or treatment;
• Distribution of educational materials on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and disease prevention.

Preventive Health Measures

To ensure holistic student wellness, the university regularly implements preventive interventions such as medical screenings for new students, vaccination drives, and mental-health support sessions, recognizing that reproductive health is interconnected with physical and psychological well-being.

Summary Table: Sexual and Reproductive Health-Care Services at LNU

Through these integrated programmes, Leyte Normal University provides a safe and supportive environment where students can access comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. By combining education, direct medical care, and inter-agency collaboration, LNU empowers its students to make informed decisions about their health and contributes meaningfully to SDG 3 Targets 3.7 and 3.8—ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and information.

Mental Health Support for Students

Leyte Normal University (LNU) recognizes that mental health and emotional well-being are fundamental components of student success and quality of life. Consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the university ensures that all students have access to responsive mental health services and benefit from a proactive culture that promotes psychological resilience and wellness.

Provision of Mental Health Support

LNU provides comprehensive, confidential, and student-centered mental health care through its Guidance and Testing Office (GTO) and the Medical Services Office (MSO). These offices collaborate to deliver individualized counseling, mental health first aid, and referral services for students in distress or those requiring specialized psychological support.
Key services include:

• Individual and group counseling sessions facilitated by registered guidance counselors and psychometricians;
• Walk-in and scheduled consultations with the University Physician and mental health staff;
• Referral linkages to licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and partner mental health institutions for specialized care;
• Emergency response protocols for crisis situations and psychological first aid; and
• Home visits for students with serious or persistent mental health concerns, coordinated by the GTO and MSO (as documented in 2023 activities).

Through these mechanisms, LNU ensures that all students receive compassionate, confidential, and evidence-based support in managing their mental health challenges.

Active Promotion of Good Mental Health

Beyond clinical interventions, LNU actively cultivates a mentally healthy university culture through sustained awareness, education, and community engagement initiatives:

• PROTECT LNU: A Collaborative Mental Health Awareness Campaign (September 2024) – Conducted in partnership with the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) Tacloban Chapter and the Tacloban City Health Office, this campaign provided lectures and interactive sessions on coping strategies, emotional regulation, and help-seeking behavior for students and staff.
• Mental Health in the Workplace: “Unleash Your Inner Calm – Mindfulness for Busy Lives” (October 2024) – A session designed to promote mindfulness, stress management, and emotional resilience among university employees and student leaders, featuring licensed mental health professionals as speakers. https://web.facebook.com/share/p/19th9iDnN7/ 
• Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Talk (November 2024) – A large-scale awareness session titled “Breaking the Silence and Saving Lives” which addressed depression, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention strategies for the student community.
• Presentation of LNU P.R.O.T.E.C.T. Peer Facilitators (October 2024) – Student peer counselors trained to promote mental health awareness, peer support, and early detection of mental health concerns among their classmates. https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1ZNindJ4mx/ 
• Mindfulness and Well-being Integration in health outreach and School Health Week activities, including guided stretching, deep breathing, and calming exercises.

These initiatives combine professional care, peer support, and preventive education, reflecting LNU’s holistic approach to mental wellness.

Summary Table: Mental Health Support and Promotion

Through its integrated mental health programs, Leyte Normal University establishes a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes both preventive and responsive mental health care. The combination of professional counseling services, peer-led initiatives, and health education ensures that students not only have access to assistance when needed but are also equipped with lifelong skills for mental resilience. These sustained efforts directly advance SDG 3 Targets 3.4 and 3.5, promoting mental health and well-being for all members of the university community.

Smoke-Free Policy

Leyte Normal University (LNU) upholds its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by maintaining a comprehensive Smoke-Free Campus Policy that protects the health of its students, personnel, and visitors. The policy reflects the university’s compliance with Republic Act 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003) and Civil Service Commission–Department of Health Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01, which mandates the creation of smoke-free environments within government institutions, including state universities and colleges. This policy was concretized in the ISO process in 2019. 

Policy Framework

LNU’s Smoke-Free Campus Policy explicitly prohibits:

• The use, sale, advertisement, or promotion of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine delivery devices within all university premises;
• Smoking in enclosed or open areas, including classrooms, offices, corridors, dormitories, canteens, open grounds, and university vehicles;
• Sponsorship or partnership with tobacco-related entities in any form.

The university’s Administrative Manual and internal Health and Safety Guidelines detail the policy’s scope and the corresponding sanctions for violations. Enforcement is jointly managed by the Medical Services Office (MSO), the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), in coordination with the university’s Security Services.

Implementation and Promotion

To reinforce compliance and awareness, LNU:

• Displays “Smoke-Free Campus” signage at all building entrances and common spaces;
• Conducts orientation sessions for new students and employees emphasizing the health risks of smoking and the university’s prohibition policy;
• Integrates anti-smoking advocacy into annual health observances such as School Health Week and National Heart Month celebrations; and
• Collaborates with the Department of Health – Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) and the Tacloban City Health Office in campus-based information drives on tobacco control and healthy lifestyle promotion.

Impact

Through consistent implementation and advocacy, LNU maintains a 100 percent smoke-free campus environment, ensuring clean air, healthy spaces, and positive behavioral modeling for students and staff. The university’s proactive stance contributes to SDG 3 Target 3.a, which strengthens implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and exemplifies how higher education institutions can integrate public-health protection into campus governance.

Summary Table: Smoke-Free Policy

Through its fully implemented Smoke-Free Campus Policy, Leyte Normal University safeguards the well-being of its community and promotes a culture of healthy living. The policy’s continuous enforcement, health education integration, and inter-agency collaboration demonstrate the university’s active leadership in reducing tobacco use and fostering a health-protective academic environment, in line with SDG 3 Target 3.a and national tobacco-control laws.

Mental Health Support for Staffs

Leyte Normal University (LNU) prioritizes the mental health and well-being of its employees as part of its holistic approach to institutional health governance. Consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the university ensures that all faculty and non-teaching personnel have access to mental health care services, counseling, and wellness programs, while promoting a supportive and psychologically safe workplace.

Provision of Mental Health Support Services

Mental health services for LNU personnel are provided through the Medical Services Office (MSO) in coordination with the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) and the Guidance and Testing Office (GTO). These units deliver confidential, professional, and preventive support through:

• Individual and group counseling sessions for faculty and administrative employees;
• Walk-in consultations with the University Physician or Guidance Counselors;
• Referral mechanisms for specialized psychiatric or psychological care in partnership with external professionals; and
• Health and wellness monitoring integrated into employee medical evaluations and annual health screenings.

Employees are encouraged to seek support proactively, and the confidentiality of all consultations is maintained in accordance with ethical and professional standards. The HRMO also incorporates mental health awareness into employee orientation and wellness programs to ensure continuous education and early detection of psychological distress.

Active Promotion of Good Mental Health

LNU goes beyond reactive care by actively fostering a culture of mental wellness, resilience, and work-life balance among its staff. Notable initiatives include:

• “Unleash Your Inner Calm: Mindfulness for Busy Lives” (October 2024) — a major wellness seminar under the School Health Week Celebration 2024, conducted at the Admin Building Ballroom. The session, facilitated by licensed psychometrician Ms. Ruby Anne Villafranca-Reglo, equipped employees with practical mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage work-related stress and improve emotional regulation.
• Wellness Fair and Physical Fitness Events (March 2023 & March 2024) — activities such as the Pabalhas Fitness Class/Zumba and Wellness Webinars promoted active lifestyles, stress relief, and social connection among staff.
• PROTECT LNU Campaign (September 2024) — included components on stress management and psychological support for both students and employees, reinforcing shared mental health literacy.
• Regular wellness advisories and psychological first aid training conducted by the GTO and MSO to enhance staff capacity in managing stress and supporting peers.

Through these initiatives, LNU ensures that mental health promotion is integrated into its workplace culture, aligning with SDG 3 Targets 3.4 and 3.5 (mental health promotion and substance use prevention).

Summary Table: Mental Health Support for LNU Staff

Through a combination of preventive wellness programs, professional counseling services, and institution-wide advocacy, Leyte Normal University sustains a workplace culture that values and supports the mental health of its employees. These programs ensure that staff members feel safe, empowered, and cared for—advancing the university’s role as a healthy and resilient academic community and contributing directly to the fulfillment of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.