First-year students from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and College of Computer, Information and Communications Technology (CCICT) at Cebu Technological University-Main Campus attended yesterday morning’s Race to Life Orientation at CebuTech Gymnatorium.
The event advanced suicide‑prevention awareness among students by fostering open discourse, emphasizing the critical role of help‑seeking behaviors, and cultivating a supportive environment that fosters recognition, affirmation, and psychosocial safety.
During her talk, Guidance Associate Ms. Pearl Jane Bongcales emphasized the importance of attentiveness to one’s own feelings and those of others, cautioning against making assumptions.
“We notice and observe, but we do not label,” Ms. Bongcales said.
She further reminded students of the importance of listening and offering emotional support.
“Not all people needs advice; they just want someone who can listen and whom they can express their emotion,” she added.
Guidance Intern Ms. Norish Chantine Golben left students with a resonant reminder about strength, urging them to recognize when support is needed and to seek help without hesitation.
“Asking for help doesn’t mean that you are incapable. Sometimes, being strong is recognizing when you need support,” Ms. Golben said.
The orientation reinforced CTU’s commitment to student welfare by raising awareness of available support, encouraging students to seek guidance, and affirming that reaching out reflects strength and the right to receive help./Zandel Kim S. Ebro, BSFIL Intern
