In a bid to address the pressing mental health concerns and foster a supportive campus environment, Central Philippines State University Counseling and Guidance Unit together with the Office of Students services and affairs (OSSA) and Silliman University (SU) recently conducted a workshop titled, R.A.C.E against Suicide with the theme, A Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention in Schoolโ held last November 10, 2023 at the Accreditation Center, CPSU Main Campus.
The workshop brought together Student Organization
advisers, CPSU faculty, Guidance Counselors, OSSA Coordinators, University
Nurses and Mental Health advocates across the Universityโs 10 campuses in a
collaborative effort to discuss the complex issues of suicide.
The said event aimed to strengthen the emotional and mental well-being of participants, and raise awareness about depression and the dangers of suicide. The goal was to equip them with the necessary knowledge and strategies for managing emotions and teach them how to handle people who have suicidal tendencies.
Dr. Juravic C. Rafols, head of the Guidance
and Testing Division, Silliman University, led a compelling keynote address
emphasizing the importance of seeking help from someone, especially mental
health professionals.
Present at the event were Kloyd Angelou
M. Turado and Shawn Iverson A. Balicaol, both Career advocates from Silliman
University.
Participants further gained valuable insights through interactive activities per session. One of the workshop highlights was the open forum, which allowed the students to share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for resilience. This candid exchange fostered an atmosphere of understanding and unity, encouraging a sense of community and support among attendees.
In a statement, Dr. Pilipinas
Ma. D. Jareรฑo, Dean of the Office of Students Services and Affairs,
expressed the universityโs commitment to fostering a supportive community
conducive to mental well-being.
The overwhelmingly positive response from attendees underscored the significance of the efforts of Central Philippines State University to prioritize mental health awareness and suicide prevention within the academic institution.
The activity was spearheaded by the Counseling and Guidance Unit headed by Ms. Sune Quintab and Sir Jirec Bacongco, University Psychometrician.
J. Romero, The
Cenphilian
Photos: Guidance
& Counseling Unit