University of Luzon Successfully Hosted PFA Seminar, Strengthening Community Resiliency

The University of Luzon successfully hosted a pivotal, full-day event focused on student well-being and community resilience, marking its annual observance of Mental Health Awareness Month. Spearheaded by the University of Luzon Guidance Center in collaboration with the Youth Peer Organization and Psychenosi, this year’s program highlighted the crucial role of psychological support, particularly within the context of humanitarian emergencies. The comprehensive seminar took place on October 13, 2025, at the UL Multipurpose Hall, bringing together members of the academic community, especially Luzonians, for this vital initiative.

The theme for this year’s observation, “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,” underscored a critical need for accessible and effective psychological support in crisis-affected communities. The Philippines, being highly susceptible to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, faces an undeniable demand for timely mental health intervention. While national policies like the Mental Health Act (R.A. 11036) have established foundational support systems, the challenge of providing stigma-free and accessible care during and after emergencies remains a significant institutional priority.

To address this pressing need and empower its constituents, the centerpiece of the celebration was a seminar-lecture focused on Psychological First Aid (PFA) for students. PFA is an evidence-based and humane approach designed to provide immediate, compassionate, and practical assistance to individuals experiencing severe distress due to crisis events. The seminar successfully equipped Luzonians with essential, actionable skills to appropriately respond to stress, trauma, and emotional distress, whether these issues affected themselves, their classmates, families, or broader communities. The resource speaker for this crucial educational session was Ms. Glory Ann B. Feliciano, LPT, RGC, a registered guidance counselor, whose expertise was instrumental in delivering this specialized training.

The day’s program was structured to include both intensive learning and interactive engagement. The morning session commenced with an opening ceremony. A welcome address was scheduled to be delivered by University President Dr. Luis M. Samson Jr., setting the tone for the institution’s commitment to holistic wellness. The core PFA lecture and rationale were then delivered, culminating in an open forum that encouraged dialogue and clarification on critical topics. This was followed by a Commitment Pledge Activity, solidifying the participants’ dedication to mental health advocacy and support. The afternoon session transitioned into practical application through a Group Dynamics Activity and a Contest Proper, concluding with an official Awarding of Winners, which promoted healthy engagement and peer interaction. Throughout the event, all participants were encouraged to wear a green ribbon, a symbol of solidarity with individuals and communities navigating crises and a shared commitment to prioritizing mental well-being.

The University of Luzon’s dedication to this initiative represented a proactive alignment with key global benchmarks for human development and sustainability. The activities, particularly the focus on Psychological First Aid and general mental health promotion, directly contributed to the achievement of multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the seminar strongly reinforced SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by promoting mental health and well-being (Target 3.4) and strengthening prevention (Target 3.5). Furthermore, by providing students with specialized, lifelong skills (PFA) that increased their capacity to respond to community emergencies and promote resiliency, the initiative also aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education (Target 4.7, ensuring all learners acquire knowledge for sustainable development and global citizenship) and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by building safe and resilient communities (Target 11.B, adopting and implementing integrated policies toward resilience). Finally, the collaborative effort between the Guidance Center, the Youth Peer Organization, and Psychenosi inherently embodied the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by revitalizing multi-stakeholder partnerships to mobilize knowledge and resources in support of sustainable development.