Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — In a powerful display of academic outreach and community engagement, the EDM 200 class of Marinduque State University spearheaded a Symposium on Truancy Prevention on October 10, 2025, at Cawit National Comprehensive High School, Boac, Marinduque. With the theme “From Absence to Achievement: Preventing Truancy through Partnership,” the event brought together educators, administrators, and students, in a united front against absenteeism in schools.
Principal Mr. Dino S. Nepomuceno welcomed participants with a message of hope and shared responsibility, emphasizing the school’s commitment to nurturing consistent attendance and learner success. This was followed by Dr. Leodegario M. Jalos, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs, who clearly laid out the symposium’s objectives, anchoring the day’s discussions in strategic collaboration and evidence-based interventions.
Graduate School Dean Dr. Julieta Q. Nabos delivered an inspirational message, urging future educators to view truancy not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity to innovate and empathize. The highlight of the program was the keynote presentation by Mrs. Emelita R. Rodelas, Guidance Counselor and Director of the Student Welfare Office, who unpacked the complex nature, causes, and consequences of truancy. Her talk, “Understanding the Nature, Cause, Effect, and Strategies to Prevent Truancy,” offered actionable strategies rooted in psychosocial support and institutional partnership.
Introduced by Mr. Ryan R. Mangana, the resource speaker’s insights sparked a lively open forum, where students and educators exchanged perspectives and proposed localized solutions. The event also featured gift-giving to learners, a symbolic gesture of encouragement, and a heartfelt community song that underscored unity and shared purpose.
EDM 200 student Ms. Kristine Jane O. Troso delivered the closing remarks, reflecting on the transformative power of outreach and the role of future educators in shaping inclusive, responsive learning environments. The program was seamlessly hosted by Mr. John Ruel T. Ramos, whose energy and poise kept the momentum alive throughout the day.
This symposium marks a significant step in Marinduque’s educational landscape, where academic theory meets community action, and where every absence is met with a promise of achievement.
[D. Sto. Domingo | Photos: LM Jalos, Jr.]#EmpoweringMindsTransformingLives #MarinduqueStateUniversity #SDG3GoodHealthandWellBeing #SDG4QualityEducation #SDG17PartnershipsfortheGoals
