by Christine V. Ordinario

In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the Guidance Services Unit (GSU) of Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus (PSHS–CVC) conducted an activity that focuses on the students’ mental health.

Dubbed as “Kamustahan, Kwentuhan, Kantahan,” the program was held on October 14, 2021, in observance of the National Mental Health Week celebrated every second week of October.

The event served as an avenue for the students and the employees, as well, to express their thoughts and share their feelings, and to ensure that PSHS–CVC community provides a safe space and a strong support system.

The activity was conducted in a panel discussion type, similar to a talk show, where in between segments, students rendered songs related to mental health and encouragement.

The invited speakers, who are mental health advocates, shared their knowledge and skills in discussing mental health issues with the students.

One of them was Miss Kathleen Joy Rivera, an alumna of PSHS–CVC and the founder and head coach of Joy Rivera International, a coaching startup company on clarity, confidence, high performance and brand strategy.

Other speakers included Miss Rachel Sy, a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences of Isabela State University Main Campus, and Mr. John Noel Fermin, a guidance coordinator of the University of La Salette Senior High School, Santiago City.

Ms. Keith Ivy N. Aggasid, PSHS-CVC Guidance Associate, said, “Like other teenagers, PSHS students are not exempted from experiencing mental health issues. Conducting activities like this is helpful in raising awareness of mental health, and hopefully will aid the students to create and plan effective coping mechanisms that will help them manage their psychosocial issues and concerns.”

She also hoped that the students realize that the PSHS community is a compassionate, caring, and supportive environment that can help them deal with their psychosocial concerns.

The program concluded by a virtual community singing of Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me.”