USTP Claveria empowers student leaders through Mental Health Webinar
By Edgar Allan A. Omila, Office of the Student Affairs Staff, USTP Claveria
Share:
The Guidance Service Unit of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Claveria, Misamis Oriental (USTP Claveria), in collaboration with the University Student Government (USG), Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services (OVCSAS), conducted a Psychological First Aid and Peer Support Seminar and Workshop. The participants were selected and accredited student leaders of USTP Claveria. The event was held on February 28, 2025, at the Student Center, USTP Claveria.
Ms. Maricar Y. Valdez, RGC Guidance Counselor, and Ms. Sheila Marie Minohara, Guidance Advocate of USTP CDO, headed the discussions during the whole-day workshop.
Meanwhile, Dr. Argin A. Gulanes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services, talked about the relevance of the seminar/workshop towards everyone’s mental health awareness. Dr. Lindylou M. Yamuta, OSA Director, stressed that mental well-being is a key aspect of student life, and equipping student leaders with appropriate skills can make an impact.
The Psychological First Aid and Peer Support session offered an environment for open discussions, hands-on learning, and genuine connections. The session underscored that mental health issues are not to be tackled alone. Hence, participants were equipped with valuable information on how to identify signs of distress, provide emotional support, and support peers with professional resources when necessary.
By promoting a culture of support and empathy, student leaders are crucial in ensuring a safe and compassionate campus environment. Through discussions and participatory activities, they have learned new and key skills in active listening, stress management, and crisis intervention.
In addition to acquiring the basics of psychological first aid, participants were encouraged to become proactive mental health advocates.
The session emphasized ending the stigma that often surrounds mental health, making discussions about “normal” feelings/emotions, and encouraging a culture in which getting help is regarded as a mark of strength.
Follow us:
Contact us:
+63(88)857-1738 local 1118
[email protected]
