SDG 3 Good Health and Well Being
SDG 3 promotes healthy lives and well-being for all, recognizing that strong health systems and informed communities are essential to sustainable development. ASSCAT supports this goal by producing research that addresses mental health, disease detection, and healthcare access—providing evidence and innovation that help improve public health outcomes at the local and global levels.
- Overview
- Indicators and Progress
Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) advances SDG 3 through research that strengthens mental health understanding, improves disease detection, and informs evidence-based healthcare innovation. The institution’s scholarly outputs demonstrate growing visibility in global platforms—from high-impact engineering journals to biological science publications—showcasing ASSCAT’s expanding contribution to public health knowledge.
By integrating digital technologies, machine learning, biomedical analysis, and community-focused mental health studies, ASSCAT’s research portfolio responds to both local and global health challenges. Its emerging engagement in high-quartile journals and interdisciplinary collaborations highlights the institution’s commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible, citable, and relevant to clinical and public health practice.
Indicator 3.1.1 — Paper Views
The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) continues to strengthen its contribution to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through a diverse portfolio of research publications that address critical health issues, including mental health, infectious disease detection, elderly care, and biological sciences. These works have achieved growing visibility across reputable international journals and indexing platforms, demonstrating ASSCAT’s increasing impact on global health research.
The table below summarizes the publication views recorded across IEEE, Springer, Academia.edu, and other platforms:
Table 3.1.1 — Health-Related Publications and Paper Views
ASSCAT’s research outputs in 2023–2025 demonstrate clear contributions to global health and well-being, with papers generating consistent academic engagement.
High-Impact Diagnostic Research
The publication “Exploring the Capabilities of Pristine B84 Nanocluster…” (2024) recorded the highest visibility with 284 total views and 24 monthly views, highlighting strong global interest in nanotechnology-based COVID-19 diagnostics. Its placement in a Springer-indexed journal reinforces the research’s scientific relevance.
Healthcare Innovation and AI Research
The conference paper “Evaluating Healthcare Benefits of Senior Citizens through Opinion Mining” (2024) achieved 50 total views, reflecting growing academic interest in ASSCAT’s use of artificial intelligence to assess healthcare services for the elderly—a priority focus of SDG 3.
Student and Teacher Mental Health Research
Three studies on mental health—two in the African Journal of Biological Sciences and one published under IEEE—attained a combined 84 total views, indicating sustained scholarly engagement in mental health issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among students and educators.
Natural Product and Antimicrobial Research
The study on the antimicrobial properties of Blue Butterfly Pea extract received 20 total views, contributing to research on natural alternatives to antimicrobial agents, an important global health topic amid rising antibiotic resistance.
The combined views across six publications illustrate ASSCAT’s expanding influence in health-related research. These works meaningfully support SDG 3 by:
- advancing mental health research,
- contributing to disease detection technologies,
- improving understanding of elderly healthcare systems, and
- exploring natural antimicrobial compounds.
ASSCAT’s research visibility underscores its commitment to promoting good health and well-being through innovation, scientific inquiry, and global knowledge sharing.
Indicator 3.1.2 – Proportion of Research Papers Cited in Clinical Guidance
Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) continues to strengthen its research portfolio aligned with SDG 3 by producing studies with increasing relevance to public health, mental well-being, and disease detection. An analysis of the institution’s SDG 3–related publications indicates that a growing proportion of these works possess characteristics that make them suitable for potential citation in clinical guidance, public health policy, and evidence-based practice.
The most notable contribution is the IEEE-published paper on Predictive Modeling for Assessing Student Mental Health Risks Using Machine Learning Algorithms. As a Q1-indexed publication in a high-impact and widely cited database, this study demonstrates strong translational potential. Its methodological rigor, relevance to digital health, and alignment with current clinical priorities in early mental health intervention make it a strong candidate for citation in future clinical guidelines or institutional mental health protocols. The work reflects global trends toward data-driven approaches in psychological assessment and reinforces ASSCAT’s growing role in the digital health research landscape.
Complementing this is a set of three studies published in the African Journal of Biological Sciences, focusing on the neurochemical, neuroinflammatory, and psychological consequences of COVID-19 among teachers in Marawi City. While these papers are published in a Q4 journal with lower citation traction, they contribute valuable field-specific evidence on the mental health burden experienced by educators in conflict-affected communities. Although their likelihood of being incorporated into formal clinical guidance is relatively low, the studies enrich the broader body of literature on pandemic-related mental health challenges, especially in underserved populations.
Another significant contribution is the B84 nanocluster–based gas detection study, published in a Q2-ranked journal. While more technical in nature, its findings have implications for diagnostic innovation, particularly for COVID-19–related gas detection and biosensing technologies. Its moderate potential for citation in clinical or technical guidance reflects the growing interdisciplinary nature of ASSCAT’s research, bridging materials science with public health applications.
Overall, the institution’s portfolio reveals that approximately 24% of ASSCAT’s SDG 3–related research outputs demonstrate a normalized potential for citation in clinical guidance. This means roughly one in four studies exhibit the visibility, impact, and translational relevance necessary for consideration in clinical reference materials or health policy frameworks.
This proportion underscores meaningful progress in enhancing the institution’s contribution to evidence-based health research. It also reflects ASSCAT’s commitment to producing high-quality, socially responsive, and clinically relevant studies that support improved mental health outcomes, digital health innovation, and community well-being—key foundations of SDG 3.
Indicator 3.1.3 — Publications
The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) continues to strengthen its contribution to SDG 3 through a portfolio of research publications that address pressing health challenges, including mental health, pandemic response, and emerging health technologies. These publications highlight ASSCAT’s growing capacity to conduct impactful, scientifically rigorous, and community-relevant research.
| Title | Author(s) | Citations | Journal / Source | SJR 2024 / Quartile / H-Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Predictive Model for Assessing Student Mental Health Risk Based on Academic Data Using Machine Learning Algorithm | Jerald Cabusas, Cherry Ann Daleon, Carl Philip Maningo, James Cloyd Bustillo, Bernie Balighot, Patrick Jasson Pojas | 0 | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) | SJR 2.502, Q1, H-Index 346, Coverage 1992–2025 |
| HPA Axis Dysregulation and Mental Health Outcomes in Filipino Teachers Residing in Marawi during the COVID-19 Pandemic | Gil Vincent M. Ebardo | 0 | African Journal of Biological Sciences (South Africa) | SJR 0.113, Q4, H-Index 5, Coverage 2019–2022 |
| Neuroinflammatory Consequences of COVID-19 Psychological Well-being among Filipino Teachers in Marawi: A cross-sectional Study | Gil Vincent M. Ebardo | 1 | African Journal of Biological Sciences (South Africa) | SJR 0.113, Q4, H-Index 5 |
| Serotonin and Dopamine Dysregulation: Unveiling the toll of COVID-19 on Mental Health among Teachers in Marawi City | Gil Vincent M. Ebardo | 0 | African Journal of Biological Sciences (South Africa) | SJR 0.113, Q4, H-Index 5 |
| Predictive Models for Forecasting Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases: Relevance to Public Health Service | Alvin O. Cayogyog | 0 | International Journal of Public Health Research | – |
| Exploring the Capabilities of Pristine B84 Nanocluster for Selective NO and N2O Gases Detection Involved to COVID-19: A DFT Analysis | Michael M. Sabugaa | 4 | Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials | SJR 0.697, Q2, H-Index 69, Coverage 1996, 2000–2001, 2003–2025 |
| Evaluating Healthcare Benefits of Senior Citizens through Opinion Mining | James Cloyd M. Bustillo | 1 | 2024 5th International Conference on Image Processing and Capsule Networks (ICIPCN) | – |
| Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis and Inhibitory Property of Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Extract against Escherichia coli | Ferdinand A. Dumalagan | 0 | International Journal of Biosciences (IJB) | – |
Highlights and Impact
- Mental Health Research
- The 2025 IEEE study, Predictive Model for Assessing Student Mental Health Risk, applies machine learning to identify students at risk of mental health concerns. Published in a high-impact Q1 journal, this research provides early intervention strategies that support SDG 3 objectives for student well-being.
- Gil Vincent M. Ebardo’s studies in the African Journal of Biological Sciences examine COVID-19-related mental health challenges among Filipino teachers in Marawi, analyzing HPA axis dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalance. These studies provide insight into pandemic-related stress, trauma, and resilience in vulnerable populations.
- Health Technology and Pandemic Response
- Michael M. Sabugaa’s Q2 publication demonstrates nanotechnology applications for detecting COVID-19-related gases, highlighting ASSCAT’s engagement in innovative health monitoring technologies.
- Alvin O. Cayogyog’s study emphasizes data-driven forecasting for COVID-19, supporting public health preparedness and decision-making.
- Healthcare Access and Natural Product Research
- James Cloyd M. Bustillo’s work evaluates healthcare benefits for senior citizens, informing strategies to enhance elderly care.
- Ferdinand A. Dumalagan’s research investigates antibacterial properties of Blue Butterfly Pea extract, contributing to alternative and plant-based health solutions.
Summary
Through this diverse portfolio, ASSCAT demonstrates:
- Interdisciplinary expertise spanning psychology, computational science, biotechnology, and public health.
- Community-centered research that addresses local challenges while contributing to global knowledge.
- Capacity for high-impact publications, as evidenced by IEEE Q1 contributions and emerging citations in specialized journals.
Collectively, these publications showcase ASSCAT’s growing role in advancing Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), supporting mental health, innovative health technologies, and community-responsive interventions.
Indicator 3.2.1 — Proportion of Graduates in Health Professions
This indicator measures the contribution of the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) in educating and developing future health professionals. It specifically tracks graduates in health-related fields, such as the Bachelor of Science in Biology (BS Biology), which provides foundational knowledge for careers in medicine, public health, biomedical research, environmental health, and allied health sciences. By monitoring BS Biology graduates, ASSCAT evaluates its impact on building a competent workforce capable of addressing local, national, and global health challenges.
Graduation Data
| Academic Year | Total Graduates | BS Biology Graduates | Proportion (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2023 | 1,193 | 59 | 4.9% |
| 2023–2024 | 1,095 | 57 | 5.2% |
| 2024–2025 | 1,273 | 61 | 4.8% |
| Total | 3,561 | 177 | 5.0% (average) |
Analysis and Highlights
- Consistent Contribution to Health Professions
- Across the three academic years (2022–2025), ASSCAT produced 177 BS Biology graduates from a total of 3,561 institutional graduates, representing an average of 5.0% of total graduates.
- This consistent output underscores the College’s commitment to training students for health-related careers and supporting SDG 3 objectives.
- Notable Performance in 2023–2024
- Despite a slight decline in total institutional graduates from 1,193 to 1,095, the proportion of BS Biology graduates increased to 5.2%, marking the highest share over the three years.
- This demonstrates the program’s resilience and priority within the institution, ensuring steady throughput in critical health-related disciplines even amid enrollment fluctuations.
- Curriculum and Skill Development
- The BS Biology program integrates theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on training, equipping students with:
- Laboratory and research skills
- Understanding of biological systems relevant to human health and environmental sustainability
- Competencies in public health initiatives, environmental research, and disease prevention
- Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced studies, contribute to health promotion, and participate in regional health and environmental projects.
- The BS Biology program integrates theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on training, equipping students with:
- Alignment with SDG 3
- By producing competent health professionals, ASSCAT contributes to improving health outcomes, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting equitable access to medical and environmental health services.
- The program supports local and regional initiatives while fostering scientific literacy and community well-being.
The BS Biology program at ASSCAT represents a strategic contribution to health education in the region. Over Academic Years 2022–2025, the institution consistently produced graduates equipped to pursue careers in medicine, public health, environmental sciences, and allied health disciplines. The 2023–2024 data highlights the program’s ability to maintain and improve output even during periods of overall enrollment fluctuations.
Through this sustained effort, ASSCAT continues to foster the next generation of health professionals, strengthening its role as a regional hub for education, research, and community well-being, and aligning with national health priorities and Sustainable Development Goals.
Indicator 3.3.1 — Collaborations with Health Institutions
In 2024, the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) actively strengthened formal collaborations with external health institutions to improve health and well-being outcomes for students, employees, and surrounding communities.
A notable example of this effort is the partnership with the Valentina Galido Plaza Memorial Hospital (VGPMH), a local government hospital not operated by the university. On April 17, 2024, ASSCAT and VGPMH finalized institutional processes leading to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formalizing their collaboration to deliver comprehensive health services to the ASSCAT community.
Key Features of the Collaboration
- Expanded Access to Health Services
- VGPMH provides specialized services not available on campus, including:
- Confirmatory HIV testing
- Chest X-ray diagnostics
- Gen-X screening for tuberculosis
- The partnership also delivers routine preventive care, such as:
- Medical consultations
- Dental services
- Pulmonary tuberculosis screening
- General health education
- VGPMH provides specialized services not available on campus, including:
- Integration with Academic Training
- The collaboration enables supervised clinical exposure for students, linking academic learning with real-world public health practice.
- Joint activities include:
- Health education sessions
- Wellness monitoring
- Early detection programs for communicable diseases
- Coordinated referral systems to strengthen local disease surveillance
- Contribution to Public Health and Research
- The partnership supports preventive health behavior among students and the broader community.
- It facilitates the creation of a shared database on communicable diseases, providing insights for future research, program planning, and community health interventions.
Alignment with SDG 3
This collaboration directly advances SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being by:
- Improving access to essential health services for the campus and surrounding communities
- Strengthening public health education and awareness
- Supporting early detection and prevention of infectious diseases
- Enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students in real-world health settings
Evidence
- Project Title: ASSCAT–Valentina Galido Plaza Memorial Hospital Partnership
- Supporting Documentation: MOA and MOU signed with VGPMH and the Municipal Health Unit
Indicator 3.3.2 — Health Outreach Programs
In Calendar Year 2024, the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) actively implemented community-based outreach programs designed to promote health and well-being, particularly for populations affected by emergencies or crises.
A flagship initiative was conducted through the KAB-OT Youth Organization (KYO), in partnership with the College of Agriculture Student Organization (CASO), demonstrating ASSCAT’s commitment to student-led service, volunteerism, and local community support.
Project Overview: Project Ca-agapay – “Solidarity Amidst Adversity”
- Date Conducted: January 30, 2024
- Target Beneficiaries: Families and individuals temporarily displaced at East Bunawan Elementary School
- Objectives:
- Provide immediate relief aid including food and basic supplies
- Offer psychosocial support to strengthen mental and emotional resilience
- Promote community well-being during periods of disruption
Activities and Implementation
- Nutrition and Basic Relief
- Distribution of essential food packs and supplies to ensure proper nutrition and sustenance for evacuees.
- Psychosocial Support
- Volunteers provided emotional support, compassionate interactions, and encouragement to uplift morale among affected families.
- Addressed both physical and mental well-being, recognizing the holistic nature of community health.
- Student Engagement and Collaboration
- Program organized and executed by ASSCAT student leaders, faculty advisers, and external sponsors.
- Demonstrated bayanihan spirit and service-oriented leadership among students, fostering civic responsibility.
Alignment with SDG 3
Project Ca-agapay directly contributes to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being by:
- Ensuring access to essential nutrition and basic welfare for vulnerable populations
- Promoting mental and emotional resilience among displaced families
- Strengthening community health outcomes through student-led volunteerism and structured outreach
- Integrating academic engagement with real-world public health impact, fostering a culture of service and social responsibility
Indicator 3.3.3 — Shared Sports Facilities
The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) maintains a strong commitment to community well-being, physical fitness, and inclusive engagement by providing open access to its sports and recreational facilities. These facilities include the Track and Field, Covered Court, and Sports and Sociocultural Center, which are regularly made available to local residents, youth groups, faith-based organizations, and civic institutions for sports, wellness programs, and community-building activities.
This practice demonstrates the College’s long-standing dedication to fostering health, unity, and collaborative partnerships beyond the academic environment.
2024 Context
- While formal documentation of community sports programs in 2024 was limited due to post-pandemic recovery, campus rehabilitation, and internal restructuring, ASSCAT continued to implement an open-access policy for its sports facilities.
- Local residents and community groups regularly used the facilities for informal fitness routines, group training, and recreational activities, highlighting the College’s continued support for physical activity and wellness despite fewer large-scale events being formally recorded.
Illustrative Event
To demonstrate the ongoing tradition of shared facility use, ASSCAT references a formally documented event from 2025 that exemplifies the type of engagement maintained throughout 2024:
- Event: Friendly Tennis Match during the Pastoral Visit of Bishop Ruben Labajo of the Diocese of Prosperidad
- Participants: Clergy members and ASSCAT College President Dr. Joy Capistrano
- Venue: ASSCAT Covered Court
- Significance:
- Showcased community partnership and engagement through sports
- Strengthened social bonds, camaraderie, and wellness initiatives among participants
- Demonstrated ASSCAT’s ongoing commitment to shared community access, even during transitional periods
Alignment with SDG 3
ASSCAT’s shared sports facilities contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being by:
- Expanding public access to sports and physical activity opportunities
- Promoting health, fitness, and holistic well-being
- Encouraging social cohesion and inclusive engagement within the local community
- Serving as a model of community-oriented institutional practices that complement formal academic programs
Evidence
- Project Title: Friendly Tennis Match during Bishop Ruben Labajo’s Pastoral Visit at the ASSCAT Covered Court
Indicator 3.3.4 — Sexual & Reproductive Health Services
The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) ensures that students have reliable access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, combining information, education, and preventive resources to foster a safe, informed, and health-conscious academic environment. These services are delivered through the Health and Wellness Unit in close coordination with the Guidance and Counseling Office, Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), and the College Clinic, providing comprehensive support for the campus community.
Key Initiatives in 2024
- Distribution of Contraceptives (Condoms)
- Objective: Promote responsible sexual behavior, reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and educate students and staff on safe reproductive practices.
- Implementation:
- Conducted at the Health and Wellness Unit
- Provided discreet, stigma-free access to contraceptives
- Linked recipients to counseling and educational services on reproductive health
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Support Program
- Ongoing initiative supporting prenatal care for pregnant students and employees
- Conducted monthly sessions every first Friday of the month
- Services include:
- Regular medical check-ups and prenatal counseling
- Nutrition awareness and prenatal exercise guidance
- Childbirth preparedness and stress management
- Goal: Enable expectant mothers to continue academic or professional responsibilities while receiving proper health support
Alignment with SDG 3
ASSCAT’s initiatives under this indicator directly contribute to SDG 3 Target 3.7, which promotes universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, education, and counseling. These programs also align with the Philippine Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law (RA 10354), ensuring students and employees have the right to accurate information and accessible healthcare resources.
Impact
- Provides stigma-free access to reproductive health services and education
- Empowers students and employees to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health
- Supports a holistic approach to well-being, ensuring both preventive care and educational support are available
- Reinforces ASSCAT’s role as a health-conscious and supportive academic institution
Evidence
- Project Title: Distribution of Contraceptives (Condoms) & Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
- Participants: All ASSCAT Employees and Students
Figure 1: Photo documentation of the contraceptive distribution initiative at the Health and Wellness Unit, demonstrating ASSCAT’s active provision of sexual and reproductive health-care resources and information for students.
Indicator 3.3.5 — Mental Health Support for Students
The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) recognizes that students’ mental health and emotional well-being are essential components of holistic development and academic success. Through its Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO), the institution has strengthened psychological support systems, creating safe spaces for dialogue, learning, and emotional resilience.
Mental Health Initiatives in 2024
- Suicide and Depression Awareness Activity
- Date: November 27, 2024
- Venue: ASSCAT Socio-Cultural Center
- Persons Involved: Guidance Counselors – Ms. Ma. Elena G. Acebes and Ms. Pinky Azenith A. Abapo
Overview:
As part of PAKIGBISOG 2024, this activity focused on depression and suicide awareness for students, faculty, and support staff. Ms. Acebes highlighted early warning signs of depression, coping mechanisms, and the importance of empathy in responding to emotional distress. Ms. Abapo emphasized mental health as integral to academic life and encouraged students to seek support from the GCO.
Impact:
- Raised awareness about depression and suicide prevention
- Encouraged help-seeking behavior and reduced stigma
- Provided practical coping strategies for students
- Fostered an atmosphere of openness, compassion, and peer support
- Cultivating Self-Awareness: Better Mental Health
- Dates: October 23–24, 2024
- Venue: Room-to-room sessions (GE 101 classes)
- Persons Involved: Guidance Counselors and GE 101 Instructors
Overview:
Launched during Mental Health Awareness Month, this two-day activity aimed to help students develop self-awareness as a preventive approach to mental health. Sessions included self-assessment exercises, discussions, and short lectures focusing on emotional intelligence, stress management, and understanding personal strengths and triggers.
Impact:
- Strengthened self-awareness and emotional resilience among students
- Promoted proactive mental health management
- Encouraged reflection on academic and interpersonal challenges
- Enhanced student rapport with the Guidance and Counseling Office
Institutional Commitment and Alignment with SDG 3
ASSCAT’s mental health initiatives reflect the institution’s commitment to holistic student development, emphasizing emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and psychological resilience. These programs align with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in promoting mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and ensuring accessible counseling services.
Figure 1: Student participants engaged in interactive discussions and activities during the mental health awareness programs, demonstrating ASSCAT’s proactive approach to supporting mental and emotional well-being.
Key Outcomes:
- Increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues
- Established a supportive environment for students to seek help
- Reinforced the role of the Guidance and Counseling Office as a key resource
- Promoted campus-wide mental wellness culture
Evidence:
- Project Titles:
- Suicide and Depression Awareness Activity
- Cultivating Self-Awareness: Better Mental Health
Indicator 3.3.6 — Smoke-Free Policy
The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) has a clearly established and actively enforced Smoke-Free Policy, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to maintaining a healthy, safe, and wellness-oriented campus environment.
Policy Framework
- Legal Basis:
- Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (R.A. 9211)
- Executive Order No. 26 (2017)
- Institutional Basis:
- Codified in the ASSCAT Student Handbook, the primary reference for student conduct and campus regulations.
Scope and Coverage
The Smoke-Free Policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products—including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and other smoking-related materials—within all indoor and outdoor campus areas, such as:
- Classrooms, laboratories, and libraries
- Covered courts and walkways
- Dormitories and open spaces
This policy effectively designates ASSCAT as a fully smoke-free institution.
Disciplinary Provisions
Section 130: Table of Misconduct and Penalties outlines the following sanctions for violations:
- 1st Offense: Warning
- 2nd Offense: Reprimand
- 3rd Offense: Three-day suspension
Section 128.6: Use of Illegal Drugs further reinforces the policy by defining “use” as including smoking illegal substances, promoting campus safety and health protection.
Policy Development and Updates
- Initial Institutionalization:
- 53rd Board of Trustees Meeting (December 2, 2005)
- Resolution No. 48, s. 2005 – Approval of the Student Handbook, including smoking regulations.
- Recent Review & Reaffirmation:
- 122nd Board of Trustees Regular Meeting (December 20, 2021)
- Resolution No. 21-133, s. 2021 – Approved the Revised Student Handbook, ensuring continued relevance and alignment with national standards.
- Technical evaluation by CHED Caraga confirmed policy compliance and soundness.
Implementation and Enforcement
- Coordinating Offices: Guidance and Counseling Office, Office of Student Affairs, Campus Security Office
- Activities:
- Awareness campaigns and orientation sessions
- Installation of smoke-free signage
- Continuous monitoring and enforcement
The policy emphasizes behavior correction, health education, and personal responsibility, ensuring students understand both the dangers of smoking and the benefits of cessation.
Alignment with SDG 3
By maintaining a smoke-free campus, ASSCAT:
- Reduces exposure to harmful tobacco smoke and vaping aerosols
- Supports student, staff, and community health
- Promotes responsible, health-conscious, and socially aware behavior
This policy demonstrates the institution’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, fostering a safe and wellness-centered academic environment.
Evidence
- Minutes of the 122nd Board of Trustees Regular Meeting (4th Quarter, 2021)
- Resolution No. 21-133, s. 2021 – Approval of Revised Student Handbook reaffirming the Smoke-Free Policy.
- Minutes of the 53rd Board of Trustees Meeting (December 2, 2005)
- Resolution No. 48, s. 2005 – Initial approval of the Student Handbook containing Sections 130 and 128.6, enforcing smoke-free campus provisions.
Indicator 3.3.7 — Mental Health Support for Staff
The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) provides its staff with access to mental health support through structured well-being programs, professional development activities incorporating psychological frameworks, and institution-led initiatives. These programs are designed to:
- Strengthen emotional resilience
- Reduce workplace stress
- Promote holistic wellness
Although the College does not operate a dedicated in-house mental health clinic for employees, it ensures that staff systematically receive mental wellness support through guided sessions, expert-led discussions, and university-sponsored activities focusing on psychological health.
Key Initiative
Project: “The Future of Leadership: Navigating the Transitional and Transformational Program of ASSCAT”
Dates: December 4–5, 2023
Venue: Sports and Socio-Cultural Center
Participants: Faculty and staff
Resource Speaker: Dr. Dixon Yasay
This 2-day professional development program integrated the PERMA™ Theory of Well-Being, a globally recognized psychological model centered on:
- Positive Emotion
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Accomplishment
Program Highlights
- Participants engaged in reflective exercises to enhance emotional regulation and stress management.
- Sessions included strategies for building healthier workplace relationships and fostering personal growth.
- Leadership guidance from College President Dr. Joy C. Capistrano and VP Ruth S. Desamparo created a supportive environment for discussing mental well-being in professional contexts.
- Staff explored practical wellness frameworks applicable to both personal life and workplace dynamics.
This initiative directly demonstrates ASSCAT’s commitment to supporting staff mental health, integrating evidence-based psychological tools, wellness theory, and active community engagement into professional development.
Alignment with SDG 3
Through structured initiatives like this, ASSCAT contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, specifically by:
- Promoting mental health and emotional resilience for employees
- Fostering healthy workplace environments
- Enhancing overall staff well-being and job satisfaction
Evidence
Figure 1: Faculty and staff participating in the 2-day PERMA™-focused leadership and mental wellness program, facilitated by Dr. Dixon Yasay, demonstrating ASSCAT’s commitment to staff well-being.