After the successful launch of Strands of Love in October 2024, the University of Bohol (UB), in partnership with the Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), once again made waves with another hair donation campaign held on October 3, 2025, at the Instructional Media Center (IMC), UB Main Campus.
The event drew overwhelming support, with 59 volunteers, predominantly students, contributing to the hair donation drive. The donated hair will be crafted into wigs for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, helping restore their confidence and sense of normalcy during a difficult journey.
The University of Bohol continues its collaboration with Kythe Foundation, Incorporated—a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of hospitalized children battling cancer and other chronic illnesses.
In her message, Dr. Maricel Tirol, UB Vice President for Finance, emphasized the noble cause of the movement and its impact on humanity. Drawing from her personal experience with her aunt and sister, Dr. Tirol highlighted the importance of individual support for cancer patients, noting that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, ranking third overall in the Philippines. She further underscored that it takes ten bundles of hairloom to create a single wig – a meaningful, valuable, and life-changing, especially when turned into wigs for cancer patients. As a cancer-free advocate, Dr. Tirol commended the students for their voluntary support and urged them to sustain their commitment to the advocacy.
Also in attendance were Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, Dean of Student/Personnel Services; and Dr. Golda T. Olaivar, School Physician.
The day’s program also featured a Cancer Awareness Symposium with Dr. Charmie Gail G. Torrefranca of the Department of General Surgery, Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC). Her discussion focused on raising awareness about cancer while promoting the values of selflessness and compassion.
The second Strands of Love event was held alongside the university’s Guidance Day celebration, dubbed “PAG-AGAK”—a day devoted to promoting mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being within the campus community. The occasion also coincided with the Teachers’ Day Celebration.
(Leo Armando Boncales)
