Pangasinan State University (PSU) actively pursues partnerships with local, national, and global institutions to improve health and well-being outcomes, aligning its initiatives with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which promotes good health and well-being for all. PSU’s efforts reflect a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing mental health and wellness in diverse communities, enhancing its role as an advocate for positive health outcomes both within the Philippines and beyond.
Local Initiative: Empowering Educators in Suicide Prevention with Children of Fatima School
In a collaboration to bolster mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Pangasinan State University partnered with Children of Fatima School in Mabalacat, Pampanga. On February 10, 2023, PSU’s licensed mental health counselor and Guidance Services Coordinator, Ms. Beverly Fernandez, conducted a comprehensive training session focused on suicide prevention for the school’s educators. The training provided educators with tools to recognize early warning signs of mental distress in students, equipping them with intervention strategies and teaching the importance of empathy, active listening, and creating a supportive school environment. This initiative reflects PSU’s commitment to supporting mental health awareness at the grassroots level, empowering educators to create safe spaces and connect students with mental health resources. The program serves as a model for collaborative efforts to address mental health challenges among youth, showcasing the impact of local educational partnerships.
Empowering Medical Practitioners for Mental Health: Peer Facilitator’s Training of Trainers Conducted at Pangasinan State University
In a proactive move to establish sustainable mental health support for young people, Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Mt. Province in collaboration with Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative and Pangasinan State University (PSU) organized a Peer Facilitator’s Training of Trainers from March 13-15, 2023. This event, held, aimed to professionalize peer support groups dedicated to mental health promotion.
The training was facilitated by experienced advocates from the Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative: Isidro “Sid” D. Alindayu, Jr., Maricris Lay-ey-Neyney, and Beverly Fernandez. These resource speakers provided participants with essential skills and tools to become effective peer facilitators. Topics included active listening, recognizing signs of mental distress, fostering a safe space for open discussions, and guiding peers towards mental wellness resources. By equipping nurses, and health workers with practical knowledge and skills, the program aims to foster a network of peer facilitators who can support and uplift their peers, creating a ripple effect of mental health awareness and support within the community. This initiative reflects PSU’s commitment to mental health and community welfare, creating a framework for peer-led support that empowers young people to take an active role in promoting mental wellness among their peers.
National Collaboration: Community-Based Training with the Philippine Army
Pangasinan State University further extended its reach through a national collaboration with the Philippine Army, joining the DIWA Counselors of Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative for a community-based training program in Davao De Oro on July 12, 2023. This initiative was led by a team of trainers, including PSU’s Guidance Services Coordinator, Ms. Beverly Fernandez, alongside professionals from the University of the Cordilleras and Benguet State University.
The training aimed to equip facilitators and mentors with the skills needed to support their communities effectively, focusing on building resilience, mental health awareness, and social cohesion in local areas. Through this collaborative program, PSU highlights its commitment to promoting well-being and capacity-building on a national scale, ensuring that communities are equipped with the resources and knowledge to foster a culture of mental health awareness and support.
Global Engagement: Mindfulness Techniques in the Classroom at the 2023 Summer Counselor Conference
Expanding its influence internationally, PSU contributed to the 2023 Summer Counselor Conference on July 23, 2023, with a presentation titled “Appreciating the Here and Now: Mindfulness Applied in Class.” Ms. Beverly Fernandez led this impactful session, sharing mindfulness techniques aimed at fostering emotional awareness, focus, and stronger student-teacher relationships. Through practical mindfulness exercises, Ms. Fernandez illustrated how educators could enhance classroom environments, promoting well-being and attentiveness among students.
This global engagement reflects PSU’s commitment to adopting and sharing innovative, research-backed practices that support mental health and well-being in educational settings. By collaborating with international counseling communities, PSU demonstrates its alignment with SDG 3 and its role as a leader in promoting mental health initiatives.
