Recognizing when to seek support was a key message at CLB’s annual Mental Health Celebration, which gathered students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum under the theme “Ako Muna: Prioritizing Mental Health, Building Resilience, and Empowering Students’ Well-Being,” October 6.

Resource speaker Dr. Lucille D. Evangelista, Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services at Batangas State University, encouraged students to recognize when they need support and ask for help.

She also urged students to begin with self-awareness, practice kindness toward themselves, and extend the same understanding to others by listening without judgment. Dr. Rosanni M. Del Mundo, OIC-College Administrator, emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s worth and needs.

"Sometimes, choosing yourself is not selfish, it is necessary," she said.

Cescille Ebora, president of YACAP-U, the organization of the Guidance and Counseling Office, stressed the importance of caring for mental health.

"We want students to realize that taking care of their mental well-being is just as important as taking care of their physical health," Ebora said.

Ashley Ebora, a third-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student, said the event reinforced the importance of self-care and seeking support.

"I learned to value myself more, to love and take care of myself, and that if I am already struggling with problems, I should reach out to the right people," she said.

Danica Panganiban, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student majoring in Financial Management, described the activities after the talk as the most memorable part of the event.

"The most memorable part was after the talk. It was fun and engaging, and I feel like we really had a break from our own issues and struggles," Panganiban said. In her closing remarks, GAD Coordinator Ms. Darryn Mehmet Detecio told participants, "You matter," and encouraged them to treat themselves the same compassion they extend to others.

The afternoon session provided students with an opportunity to express themselves and participate in various activities, including a spoken poetry competition, campaign video-making contest, and an Amazing Race featuring selected participants from different academic programs.


via Precious Loraine E. Balmes
photos by John Andrei L. Lontok, Neriza C. Beneamen, and Gabriel S. Arangali