After making waves at the Island City Mall Activity Center last month, the Strands of Love – a special initiative by the University of Bohol (UB) in partnership with Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), continued to leave its mark, this time at the UB Instructional Research Center Auditorium, UB main campus, on October 4, 2024.
The event drew overwhelming support, with 72 volunteers, predominantly students, contributing to the hair donation drive. Leading the volunteers were Dr. Maricel Tirol, Vice President for Finance; Dean Sherly Molina of the College of Criminal Justice; Dean Jean Bungabong of the College of Hospitality Management, Tourism and Nutrition; Ms. Ivybabe Petallar, Principal of Junior High School; Dr. Norma Apao, Head of Computer Science; Ms. Meccah Salinasal, Head of Student Affairs Office; and current Miss UB Personality Ashley Jade Cooney, all of whom also donated their hair.
Donated hair will be crafted into wigs for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, helping to restore their confidence and a sense of normalcy during their challenging journey. The university continues its collaboration with Kythe Foundation, Incorporated – a non profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for hospitalized children battling cancer and other chronic illness.
During a press conference attended by UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol, III, student journalists from The Varsitarian – the university’s student publication, along with some school officials and student leaders, raised questions to the organizers. UB Vice President for Finance Dr. Maricel Tirol, emphasized the noble cause of the movement and its impact on humanity. She highlighted that cancer is one of the leading cause of death in the country and noted that that it takes ten bundles of hair to create a wig for single patient.
AGC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ariel Fullido, praised the university’s initiative, calling it both unique and worth-emulating. As the first collaboration between Alturas and an institution for hair donation, Fullido expressed the company’s commitment to making the campaign sustainable.
Notably, Ms. Cayle Tentativa, reigning Miss Bohol 2024 and former Miss UB Personality 2019, attended the event and expressed her admiration for her alma mater’s advocacy. Meanwhile, Dr. Golda Olaivar, UB Medical Officer, encouraged early cancer screenings to improve patient outcomes.
The day’s program also featured a Cancer Awareness Symposium with Mr. Robin Culpa, Tagbilaran City Health Officer Spokesperson as speaker. The symposium aimed to foster awareness on cancer and promote the values of selflessness and compassion.
The second Strands of Love event was held in conjunction with the university’s celebration of Guidance Day, dubbed as “PAG-AGAK” — a day dedicated to promoting mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being across the campus community. It also coincided with the celebration of Teachers Day, adding layer of significance to the occasion. (Leo Armando B. Boncales)