Malita, Davao Occidental – September 25, 2024 – A symposium on World Suicide Awareness and Prevention was successfully conducted at the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) Buhangin Campus in Barangay Buhangin, Malita, Davao Occidental. The event aimed to raise awareness and educate students on mental health issues, particularly focusing on suicide prevention.
Ms. Deanne Abigail C. Bugawisan, CMMA, an Instructor I and the designated Student Facilitator at SPAMAST Buhangin Campus, served as the resource person for the symposium. In her talk, Ms. Bugawisan discussed the importance of mental health care and provided valuable insights into recognizing the signs of distress among peers, as well as the ways to seek help and support those struggling with mental health challenges.
The symposium was organized and facilitated by the SPAMAST Guidance Office, led by Prof. Lalaine M. Gella, Director for Guidance and Admission. Prof. Gella emphasized the significance of mental health awareness in the student community and reiterated the Guidance Office’s commitment to providing support services for students in need.
The event was part of a broader initiative to promote mental health and well-being among the youth in the region. Students actively participated in the discussions and shared their experiences, fostering a supportive environment where issues related to mental health and suicide prevention could be openly discussed.
This symposium serves as a timely reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the role that educational institutions play in supporting the well-being of students.(Sheena Love Porras-Estilloso)
