๐๐๐ฃ ๐พ๐๐ง๐ก๐ค๐จ ๐พ๐๐ฉ๐ฎ, ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐จ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฃ โ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ข๐๐๐ง 30, 2024 – Pangasinan State University (PSU) San Carlos City Campus commemorated World Suicide Prevention Month with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
The event, hosted by Mr. Reynald D. Gloria and Mme. Lenibabes Alcantara at the PSU SC Gymnasium, emphasized the importance of awareness, support, and community engagement in addressing mental health challenges.
The commemoration was organized by the Office of Admission and Guidance, under the leadership of Mme. Noemi Carlos, the campus Guidance Counselor with Mme. Jenny Mae Pascua, in collaboration with the Peer Facilitators Circle (PFC), led by President Jexies G. Abihay and other dedicated officers.
Dr. Rowena C. Villamil, the Dean of Student Services and Administrative Affairs (SSAA), formally opened the event with a warm welcome remark, setting a positive and inclusive tone for all participants.
Dr. Liza L. Quimson, the campus executive director, delivered an inspirational message that underscored the significance of coming together as a community to fight against the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Ma’am Noemi Carlos further highlighted the relevance of the event, stressing the importance of awareness and proactive measures in preventing suicide.
In bargain, the event was filled with engaging activities aimed at promoting understanding and empathy among students and staff. Highlights included โAwareness Through Art,โ where employees and students enjoyed face painting focused on suicide prevention, and a “Solidarity Walk” that brought together PSUnians in a display of unity for mental health advocacy. PFC leaders also distributed informative leaflets as part of the awareness campaign.
To boot, a โCommitment Wallโ allowed every employee and student to express their pledges to support mental wellness, while a touching segment called “The Life Anew Testimony” featured Ms. Liberty Penera, a 4th-year BSBA student, who shared her personal story of resilience and recovery.
Additional activities included a commemorative message from Ms. Jenny Mae P. Pascua, a hopeful “Prayer of Hope, Healing, and Help” led by Dr. Franklin C. Manaoat, and a poignant “Letting Go” balloon tribute honoring lives lost to suicide.
A celebratory note with free ice cream for all PSUnians, reinforcing community spirit amidst the solemnity of the occasion concluded the stint.
Moreover, the participation of students and employees wearing yellow and orange shirts symbolized their solidarity and advocacy for mental health awareness.
Further, Pangasinan State University led by Dr. Elbert Manangan Galas, the 7th PSU President continues to demonstrate its dedication to nurturing a supportive environment where students feel safe to seek help, igniting hope, healing, and resilience within its academic community.