Make a Stand, Lend a Hand: Seminar on Mental Health and Anti-bullying

By Lois Gabrielle D. Tobias

On November 8, 2024, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s (Mapúa MCL) Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC) held the Make a Stand, Lend a Hand: Mental Health and Anti-Bullying Awareness Webinar as part of the institution’s Mental Health and Anti-Bullying Awareness Month. The event highlighted the importance of promoting mental well-being, combating bullying, and creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The session began with quick yet impactful discussions on mental health care tips, identifying types of bullying, and intervention strategies. Ms. Angela Cecille Ortiz-Kare, RGC, welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to the esteemed speakers, the CGC team, and the entire Mapúa MCL community for their collaboration in addressing these pressing concerns.

Mr. Ysrael C. Diloy, a Child Protection Specialist from Stairway Foundation Philippines, delivered a comprehensive talk on bullying and cybersafety, addressing its detrimental effects on students’ overall well-being. He stressed the importance of a holistic and proactive approach to bullying prevention and intervention. Highlighting the roles of victims, bullies, and bystanders, he shared practical solutions for affected individuals, such as seeking immediate support, prioritizing safety, and practicing self-care.

Dr. Merimee Tampus-Siena, LPT, RGC, RPsy, from Philippine Normal University–Manila, focused on the link between mental health and academic performance. Framing today’s challenges as volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (V.U.C.A.), Dr. Siena introduced four mental health categories: healthy, reacting, injured, and ill. She encouraged participants to build resilience by setting realistic goals, managing emotions, and fostering strong support networks.

The speakers’ topics supports the SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting mental health care and addressing bullying’s impact on well-being along with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by highlighting mental health’s role in academic success and resilience, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering a respectful, stigma-free campus culture. Additionally, the webinar emphasized the importance of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by advocating for an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of background, feels safe, respected, and supported, particularly addressing marginalized groups often affected by mental health and bullying issues.

The webinar reinforced the importance of mental health awareness and anti-bullying measures in creating a positive learning environment. Mapúa MCL continues its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus for all.