In light of the importance of the mental health and overall well-being of students, the Guidance Services Center – Day Program, alongside the Student Affairs and Services (SAS), conducted the final batch of suicide‑prevention awareness sessions for College of Education (CoEd) first‑year students on the afternoon of August 19.
Entitled “Guided to Thrive: Getting to Know the Guidance Services” and “Race to Save Lives: Empowering Minds Through Suicide Awareness and Prevention,” the event offered insights into CTU’s mental health advocacy, which aims to strengthen support systems, identify early warning signs of emotional distress, and provide timely crisis intervention to help save lives.
SAS Dean Arch. Ann Frances P. Cabigon urged students to pursue academic excellence while safeguarding their own mental health and extending care to peers in need.
“Every second counts when life is at risk,” she emphasized.
Campus Director Dr. Gregorio P. Pajaron Jr. also joined the gathering, welcoming participants with warm greetings and encouraging remarks.
The members of the Guidance Office, Ms. Kim Michelle Manatas, Dr. Jerame R. Nacua and Ms. Pearl Jane Bongcales, along with other members, presented important topics such as early warning signs of suicide (IS PATH WARM), indicators, misconceptions about guidance and other topics in order to educate the students the importance of being aware of one’s own mental state and who to approach in times of need.
The orientation overall focuses on the importance of mental health, suicide prevention, and seeking help.
By empowering students to recognize warning signs, safeguard their well‑being, and extend support to others, the initiative reflects CTU’s enduring commitment to fostering a safe, compassionate, and resilient academic community./Carl Steven Catugal, BSFIL Intern
