Cebu Technological University (CTU)–Main Campus strengthened its partnership with parents in promoting youth mental health and suicide prevention through a parent-engagement program conducted by the Guidance Services Center–Day Program on September 19.
Held in collaboration with the Student Affairs and Services (SAS), the program, titled “Race to Save Lives: Stronger Together: Parent Engagement for Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention,” brought together parents and guardians of Day Program freshmen to raise awareness of the challenges students may face as they transition into college life.
The activity emphasized the role of families in recognizing mental health concerns, maintaining open communication, and providing timely support to students.
Guidance Services Center personnel led the sessions, covering key topics on suicide prevention and parent-student communication.
Guidance Counselor Dr. Jeramie R. Nacua discussed “Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide,” highlighting the importance of early recognition and appropriate intervention.
Guidance Associate Ms. Pearl Jane Bongcales and Guidance Services Specialist Dr. Josephine A. Villa tackled “Understanding the Gen Zs and How to Communicate with the Gen Zs,” focusing on approaches to understanding and communicating with today’s students.
Meanwhile, Guidance Counselor Dr. Jeel Christine C. De Egurrola discussed “The Role of Parents in Suicide Prevention,” underscoring the importance of parental support, guidance, and protection in promoting students’ well-being.
Guidance Interns Blaze N. Tejano, Jarede Ethan A. Meneses, and Kim Michelle S. Manatas also contributed to the program through discussions on suicide awareness, including “Facts and Bluffs About Suicide” and “Recognizing Warning Signs of Suicide.” Their sessions emphasized the value of accurate information and early recognition in suicide-prevention efforts.
Through the program, CTU–Main reinforced the importance of a collaborative approach to student well-being, bringing together parents, students, and the university community in fostering open communication, empathy, awareness, and early support./Zandel Kim S. Ebro, BSFIL Intern.
