3.3.5 Mental Health Support for Students

1. Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures: UL Student Mental Health and Support Program
   • Youth Peer Counseling Seminar: “Ako Muna: Small Steps Towards Big Change
   • Mental Health Awareness Festival: “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right”
2. Unlocking The Secrets to A Happier Life: Exploring the Science of Well-Being and Fulfillment
3. Students’ Wellness Day: “Growing Together in Love and Faith”

Summary

The University of Luzon is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of its students through a program integrating mental health education, awareness activities, and socio-emotional skill building. It fosters a supportive campus environment where students can access resources, support peers, and develop skills to succeed academically and personally. Objectives include raising mental health awareness, providing services such as peer counseling, workshops, and guidance sessions, fostering positive relationships, and empowering students as mental health advocates. Key initiatives include the Youth Peer Counseling Seminar “Ako Muna: Small Steps Towards Big Change”, the Mental Health Awareness Festival “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right”, Students’ Wellness Day “Growing Together in Love and Faith”, and the seminar “Unlocking the Secrets to a Happier Life,” which helped students explore personal growth, emotional resilience, and strategies for fulfillment, and Students’ Wellness Day: Growing Together in Love and Faith.

Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures: UL Student Mental Health and Support Program

The University of Luzon is committed to prioritizing student mental health through a comprehensive program integrating education, awareness campaigns, and socio-emotional skill development. The initiative creates a supportive campus environment where students have access to mental health resources, are empowered to support peers, and develop social-emotional skills to thrive academically and personally.

Key objectives include enhancing mental health awareness to reduce stigma, providing access to support services such as peer counseling, workshops, and guidance counseling, fostering socio-emotional skills for healthy relationships, and empowering students as mental health advocates.

Youth Peer Counseling Seminar: “Ako Muna: Small Steps Towards Big Change” equips students with peer support skills while emphasizing ethical boundaries and referral procedures. Activities include basics of peer counseling, active listening, building rapport, and coping strategies. Students gain confidence in supporting peers and identifying when professional help is needed.

Mental Health Awareness Festival: “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right” raises awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages help-seeking behavior. Activities include recognizing mental health signs, building resilient communities, and interactive contests such as poster-making, slogan-writing, spoken poetry, and filmmaking. This fosters active student engagement in mental health advocacy.

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Unlocking The Secrets to A Happier Life: Exploring the Science of Well-Being and Fulfillment

The Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), led by Assistant Director Prof. Nash B. Aquino, organized the seminar Unlocking the Secrets to a Happier Life: Exploring the Science of Well-Being and Fulfillment. The event gathered GE Elect 3 students from the Colleges of Engineering and Architecture, Accountancy, Nursing, and Midwifery, along with council and student leaders, creating a supportive space for learning and personal growth.

The seminar emphasized mental health awareness and support, featuring speakers who provided practical strategies for well-being. Prof. Glory Ann B. Feliciano, Registered Guidance Counselor, presented Technology-Driven Mental Health Support, demonstrating how digital tools can strengthen emotional resilience and provide accessible mental health resources for students. Ms. Myleen Calimlim-Boquiren, Licensed Professional Teacher and M.A. in Education, discussed Person and Community: How Identity, Belonging, and Relationships Shape Who We Are, highlighting the role of social connection in maintaining mental wellness. Mr. Melvin Topacio Villanueva, LPT, MEd, and YMCA Pangasinan Preschool Principal, shared Wellness and Leadership: Balancing Personal Growth and Social Responsibility, encouraging students to care for themselves while contributing positively to their communities.

By combining research-based insights, practical tips, and reflective exercises, the seminar actively promoted good mental health among students. Participants gained knowledge of available mental health resources, strategies to manage stress, and ways to strengthen relationships, fostering resilience and a healthier, more fulfilling academic and personal life.

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Students’ Wellness Day: “Growing Together in Love and Faith”

The University of Luzon Laboratory School, guided by the College of Education, successfully hosted its annual Students’ Wellness Day, themed “Growing Together in Love and Faith.” The event highlighted the importance of fostering positive and supportive student-teacher relationships while promoting students’ emotional well-being.

The program featured a presentation by Professor Glory Anne B. Feliciano, Admin Affairs Manager and HR Officer of Cuison Dialysis Center. Her talk, “Fostering Socio-Emotional Learning Towards Healthy Student-Teacher Relations,” emphasized the role of socio-emotional learning (SEL) in helping students manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions—skills essential for both academic and personal success.

Professor Feliciano introduced the SHARE framework: Speak your emotions, Help others, Acknowledge others’ emotions, Reciprocate kindness, Embrace your emotions. This practical guide equips students to communicate effectively, demonstrate empathy, and foster trust with teachers and peers, contributing to a supportive and inclusive school environment.

Students’ Wellness Day reinforced the Laboratory School’s commitment to holistic education, prioritizing both academic achievement and mental well-being. By equipping students with SEL skills, the school empowers them to navigate social interactions, manage stress, and build meaningful relationships. Initiatives like this ensure students have access to tools and strategies that support mental health and encourage help-seeking behavior when needed.

Through such programs, the University of Luzon nurtures well-rounded individuals prepared for academic success, personal growth, and future challenges, demonstrating a proactive approach to promoting mental health and socio-emotional development among students.

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