One of the first lessons one learns in recovery is that “You can’t keep it unless you give it away!” Our Founder learned well and has turned it into a lifetime advocacy. Throughout his 26 sober years he has done more than a 150 speaking engagements in various schools and institutions. Such engagements have now become a distinct feature in SELF as residents are likewise given the chance to share their own life stories of addiction and redemption with students and educators. This has led to the formation of a Speakers Squad — a team of residents who get invited for speaking engagements. Almost always, these residents return to the facility elated at having overcome their fears of speaking in front of a large crowd and grateful for the opportunity to touch the lives of others. They eagerly share their experience with fellow residents and encourage them to do the same.

SELF conducts Drug Awareness Symposiums for schools, municipalities or corporations. A symposium is composed of a seminar on drug awareness and prevention and is usually followed by a brief testimony of an undergraduate resident. It is culminated by an open forum where the audience is free to ask questions regarding the seminar or the testimony. These symposiums typically last two hours. Over the last 10 years, SELF has conducted Drug Symposiums in establishments such as Enderun College, Poveda College, Reedley International, Southville International, De La Salle University, University of Batangas, Alitagtag Municipal Hall, Talisay Municipal Hall, and Philippine Airlines.