AMSA-WVSU SCORE conducts Folic Acid Deficiency forum

Written by Gilbert Guy D. Murillo

LA PAZ, ILOILO - The Asian Medical Students' Association – West Visayas State University (AMSA-WVSU) joined the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) - Philippines in launching the First National Social Media Day for Folic Acid Awareness last July 18, 2016. The event, dubbed as #FolicAcidPH, had a main objective to increase public awareness on folic acid and its important role in the prevention of neural tube defects through a social media campaign. 

AMSA-WVSU members and the students of WVSU College of Medicine participated in the said campaign by sharing infographics and posts from #FolicAcidPH Facebook page, joining the #FolicAcidPH Thunderclap, using #FolicAcidPH in posts and tweets, and posting photos with #FolicAcidPH campaign related fan signs and fan boards. 

AMSA-WVSU further advanced the #FolicAcidPH campaign by holding a forum last July 30, 2016, in cooperation with VYLH-Philippines Iloilo Chapter. The “#FolicAcidPH and the Youth Forum” aimed to promote folic acid deficiency prevention and awareness through the initiative and commitment of the youth. The said activity was participated by representatives from WVSU College of Communication (COC).

The Standing Committee Head on Research Exchange (SCORE), Gilbert Guy D. Murillo, delivered a talk to present the importance of folic acid especially women of reproductive age and pregnant women, and the current situation of folic acid awareness in the world and the Philippines. The talk was augmented by insights and professional advice by Dr. Ma. Lucille S. Rufon, an obstetrician-gynecologist. 

After the talk, the participants were encouraged to formulate a project proposal that will uphold the #FolicAcidPH advocacy. AMSA-WVSU and VYLH-Philippines Iloilo representatives facilitated a small group discussion and guided the participants in proposal making. A certificate of commitment to the new collaboration was also signed by the organizing parties and COC representatives.# 

Small group discussion and memorandum of commitment signing by the organizing parties and the
College of Communication representatives.

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Orignally Published in the AMSA Bulletin Vol. 1 No. 2 (August 2016)

Official Publication of AMSA-WVSU

Photos: AMSA-WVSU/GDMurillo