By: Aprilrose G. Cerezo
The Guidance and Counseling, Medical and Dental Services, Gender and Development (GAD) Offices spearheaded the virtual symposia on mental health and other adolescent related issues, Sept. 22.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when a community can come together and share their stories and resources to help spread awareness about suicide in the hope of preventing another individual from taking his/her life.
The one-day virtual symposia aimed to equip students with effective strategies to manage emotions; teach how to handle people who have suicidal tendencies; raise awareness about risk factors, warnings and protective factors of suicide; educate the participants with fundamental knowledge on parenting, teenage pregnancy, gender concept, dangerous drug abuse and rights of PWD’s; and provide information, facts and advice.
Dr. Adelfo Z. Vitudazo, satellite college director, in his words of welcome, expressed his appreciation to the speakers and organizers of the event. He welcomed the speakers and participants to the symposium.
In the morning session, three topics were discussed.
Jasmin G. Gallaza, a registered nurse, discussed mental health and suicide prevention. Gallaza shared a dozen “S” to avoid stress: smile, siesta, sports, socials, scheduling, speak to me, spirituality, sounds and songs, self-awareness, stress debriefing, sensation techniques and sensible diet & exercise. She also shared the methods, risk factors, warnings, treatments and protective factors of suicide.
Mary Grace F. Somil, PT, MPA, Population Program Officer II, tackled responsible parenthood and reproductive health (RPRH), teenage pregnancy prevention and gender concepts.
In her discussion about RPRH, Somil mentioned Republic Act No. 10354, a law which mandates the government to adequately address the needs of Filipinos on responsible parenthood and reproductive health. She shared with the participants valuable information on responsible parenthood.
Meanwhile, on her discussion about gender concepts and issues, she differentiated gender and sex. She introduced to the participants the gender-bread person to emphasize sexual orientation and gender identity of a person.
In her discussion about teenage pregnancy prevention, she mentioned the effects, prevention and control, and factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy. She shared the 5 too’s of pregnancy: too young, too old, too close, too many and too sickly.
Jeciel Mark T. Ledesma, a registered nurse, talked about smoking, alcoholism and dangerous drug abuse. Ledesma shared the harmful effects of alcohol drinking, smoking and using of drugs on our mental health.
In the afternoon session, two topics were discussed.
Christine P. Olbe, employee of the municipal social welfare and development office, discussed the rights of person with disabilities: A transversal issue that matters. According to her, 5% of all casual emergency and contractual positions in the DSWD, health, education, culture and sports, and other government agencies, offices or corporations engaged in social development shall reserve for disabled persons.
Lucille C. Garcia, the last speaker, shared her knowledge on the accessibility to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for persons with disabilities. She discussed the importance ICT and access to ICT in the CRPD.
Open forum followed to give the participants the chance to ask questions to the speakers.
Prof. Lalaine E. Ricardo, student affairs and services chairperson, formally brought the symposium to a close with her closing remarks.