By Kimberly Belle Sio, BAELS 4, The Centralian Link Intern
“Empowering minds through awareness:” Students, organizers, and resource speaker Dr. Joel M. Durban come together during the mental health awareness talk, highlighting the importance of breaking stigma, understanding personal struggles, and encouraging healthy coping strategies among today’s youth.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) Gems, in cooperation with the Special Needs Education (SNED) Society, continued its commitment to student well-being as it held Part II of its Mental Health Seminar, “Empowering Students through Mental Health Awareness,” on January 30, 2026, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The resource speaker, Dr. Joel M. Durban, Program Chair of the Special Needs Education, led an open and meaningful discussion on mental health, focusing on its triggers, common struggles, and healthy coping mechanisms for the students of the University Senior High School.
Reflecting on the discussion, Emma Salsona, Vice Mayor of the BECEd Gems, shared, “The talk was about different disabilities, mental health conditions, and the various reasons behind them. Dr. Joel Durban emphasized the triggers and the ways of coping with them. He also mentioned that many people today hesitate to seek counseling because of stigma, the fear of being judged as ‘crazy’ or problematic. He reminded us that even simple struggles, like difficulty in time management or academic concerns, are valid reasons to ask for help. Seeking support does not mean weakness; it means taking care of yourself.”
One of the most impactful moments of the seminar resonated deeply with the participants. “The line that really stuck with me was, ‘Conversations can be felt in silence, their presence would be enough,’” Salsona said. “There are times when problems feel too heavy to talk about. Sometimes, you don’t need advice; just someone by your side is enough to remind you that you are not alone. It taught me the importance of reaching out and being kind, because mental health struggles are not always visible.”
Highlighting the relevance of the talk, Salsona emphasized, “The seminar is timely and important for the youth because it reminds us to choose the right company, prioritize ourselves, and protect our peace of mind. Even a simple ‘kamusta’ can make a big difference. It encourages students to seek help from parents, teachers, guidance counselors, mental health professionals, and trusted friends. By being present, listening without judgment, and supporting one another, we can help those who are silently fighting their own battles.” She added that the seminar served as a reminder of the power of the mind, encouraging students to shift their narratives, acknowledge their feelings, reconcile with themselves, and seek guidance through faith.
Before the talk ended, Dr. Durban also shared mental health and crisis assistance hotlines, including Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya, In Touch: Crisis Line, and Bantay Bata 163, reinforcing the message that help is always available and no one has to face their struggles alone.
The BECEd Gems commits to CPU’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its various advocacies. The seminar on mental health aligned meaningfully with SDGs 3, 4, 10, and 16 – Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, and Peace, Justice, Reduced Inequalities, and Strong Institutions, respectively.