- October 1, 2024
Mapúa MCL promotes Mental Health and Anti-Bullying Awareness Month
By Lois Gabrielle D. Tobias
In October 2024, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) celebrated Mental Health Month, spearheaded by the Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC) in partnership with the Supreme Student Council (SSC) and Ugnayan ng Malayang Sikolohiya (UgMaSiko). Themed “Trailblazing Minds: Initiating Change with Hope and Courage in Mental Health,” the celebration aimed to raise awareness, foster resilience, and encourage the community to prioritize mental well-being.
Organized in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace, Justice, Strong Institutions), activities included Inform and Engage, which provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) resources through modules and social media campaigns, equipping students with tools to support and take care for their mental health.
Another key event, the Resilient Conversations: Connecting through Oras ng Kumustahan brought students and leaders from each Student Council together to explore the role of hope and courage in building resilience, supporting SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 16 (Peace, Justice, Strong Institutions), in particular.
A creative highlight of the celebration was the Gallery of Hope & Courage, a photo essay contest that showcased students’ perspectives on mental health challenges and their impacts. The contest winners were Arman Vincent G. David (3rd), Dylan Alessandra E. Francisco (2nd), and Therese Fiona R. Ellone (1st). These efforts amplified the importance of self-expression and storytelling in addressing mental health issues within the Mapúa MCL community.
The celebration also integrated Anti-Bullying Awareness Month, aligning with mental health advocacy and promoting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Through CGC’s Green-and-Blue Ribbon Campaign, symbolizing support for mental health (green) and anti-bullying (blue) and the Safe Space booth in the Student Lounge, the activities fostered an inclusive and supportive environment where students, regardless of background or experience, could access resources and engage in wellness activities.
The month-long activities culminated on November 8 with the seminar “Make a Stand, Lend a Hand: Mental Health and Anti-bullying Awareness Webinar,” which featured guest speakers, Mr. Ysrael Diloy and Dr. Merimee Tampus-Sienna. The seminar tackled vital topics on mental health and anti-bullying. This further reflected SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring that students were equipped with knowledge needed to build safer, inclusive, and resilient communities.
Through these initiatives, Mapúa MCL reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe, resilient, and supportive environment, emphasizing the importance of collective action in prioritizing mental well-being and inclusivity.
