In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month 2026, the Institute of Student Affairs, Character and Citizenship (ISACEC), in partnership with the Guidance and Counseling Services and Career Advice Unit (GCSCAU), successfully conducted the Mental Health Awareness Seminar entitled, “Together for Mental Health: Building a Culture of Care,” on May 7, 2026.
The seminar served as a meaningful platform to raise awareness on the importance of mental well-being and encourage the KLD community to foster compassion, understanding, and support for one another. Participants were reminded that it is okay to pause, rest, and seek balance whenever life becomes overwhelming. The discussion emphasized that mental health is not linear and that healing takes time, patience, and self-compassion.
The program commenced with an Opening Prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the welcoming remarks delivered by Ms. Hanna O. Quiambao, Lead of GCSCAU.
Mr. Mike Louis S. Trapani, Guidance Counselor of GCSCAU, formally introduced the resource speaker, Mr. Jet Martine S. Geronimo, Dean of the Institute of Behavioral Science. During the seminar, Mr. Geronimo discussed significant topics on mental health, self-awareness, personal boundaries, and personal growth. He highlighted the connection between physical and mental health and encouraged participants to view pressure not as something that breaks them, but as an opportunity for growth and resilience.
One of the key messages of the seminar centered on embracing progress and self-belief. Participants were inspired by the reminder to shift their mindset from saying, “I’m not good at this,” to “I’m not good at this YET,” reinforcing the value of perseverance and trusting the process.
An interactive Question and Answer portion allowed participants to openly engage with the speaker and deepen their understanding of mental health concerns and coping strategies. This was followed by the Awarding of Certificate of Appreciation and the closing remarks delivered by Mr. Michael A. Mendoza, Guidance Counselor of GCSCAU and Event Chairperson.
The event concluded with the singing of the KLD Hymn, leaving participants with a renewed sense of awareness, encouragement, and commitment to building a culture of care within the KLD community.
