Cielito B. Buhain, News, Office of Counseling and Psychological Services
SDG 3 SDG 4
In celebration of the National Mental Health Month, the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (OCPS), strengthened its commitment to mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and student well-being through the conduct of A.L.I.V.E. (Advocating Life, Inspiring Vitality, Empowering Minds) and Mind Matters: Empowering Student Advocates for Mental Health in October 6,7,8, 9 and 13, 2026.
The four-day A.L.I.V.E. webinar series provided a platform for discussions on mental health, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and practical coping strategies. The initiative sought to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate personal challenges, recognize emotional distress, and develop supportive relationships within the academic community.
Dr. Rodrigo V. Lopiga, Director of the OCPS, emphasized the importance of sustained mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives. The sessions featured discussions on inner peace, emotional resilience, and the importance of seeking appropriate assistance when facing psychological difficulties.
Among the resource speakers, Mr. Christ Michael Entienza, RGC, highlighted that resilience involves more than enduring hardships; it also requires reflection, constructive responses to challenges, and reconnection with trusted individuals and available support systems.
Meanwhile, Mr. Charlon T. Agos underscored the importance of recognizing emotional struggles and extending empathy to individuals experiencing difficulties, reminding participants that “having a difficult time does not automatically mean that we are lazy, it just means that we’re all human.”
Complementing these discussions, the Mind Matters: Empowering Student Advocates for Mental Health Seminar, conducted on October 9, focused on equipping students with the knowledge and perspective necessary to become informed and responsible mental health advocates. Guest speaker Atty. Maria Laya T. Lara, RPm, discussed mental health as a human right and emphasized the importance of evidence-based information, responsible advocacy, and preventing misinformation and discrimination.
The seminar also highlighted the value of peer support, active listening, and inclusive conversations in creating an environment where students feel safe expressing their concerns and seeking assistance. Through the open forum, participants raised questions about mental exhaustion, stress management, grief, access to psychological services, and ways to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Cielito B. Buhain, RPsy, Chief of the Psychological Wellness Section, emphasized the importance of empathy and checking on others, noting that “even a simple message, conversation, or asking someone, ‘Okay ka lang ba?’ can already mean a lot.” Her message reinforced the role of everyday acts of care in fostering a more understanding and supportive university community.
The initiatives align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in promoting psychological wellness and greater mental health awareness. They also support SDG 4: Quality Education by contributing to a more supportive learning environment and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through efforts to address stigma, discrimination, and barriers to inclusive mental health advocacy.
Through A.L.I.V.E. and Mind Matters, the University continues to promote a culture of care that recognizes psychological wellness as an essential component of student development and community well-being. These initiatives reaffirm the importance of building a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive academic environment where members of the university community are encouraged to seek help, support one another, and prioritize mental health alongside academic and professional growth.
Article edited by: Gicel Roger B. Salvilla, Communication Management Office
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