By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Participants gather for a photo opportunity during the 2025 National Women’s Month observance, which featured seminar on Mental Health held on March 21, 2025, at the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) – Henry Luce III Library.

Central Philippine University (CPU), dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering communities, has been actively observing the 2025 National Women’s Month in support of the Philippine Commission on Women. Recently, the university hosted a “Seminar on Mental Health,” as part of the “Women and Development Program 2: Empowering Women Through Livelihood Rehabilitation and Holistic Development.” The seminar took place on March 21, 2025, at the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) – Henry Luce III Library.

Organized by the CPU Gender and Development Committee in collaboration with the Community Engagement and Service-Learning (CESL) Center and the Review, Continuing Education, and Consultancy Center (RCECC), the seminar attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, faculty, staff, parents, and local community leaders. This year’s national women’s month celebration carries the sub-theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The event opened with registration by the RCECC, followed by an opening prayer from Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido. Prof. Wenmar G. Labra delivered the welcome remarks, and Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza introduced the resource speaker, all members of the GAD Committee.

The topic on the “Lecture-Discussion Seminar on Mental Health” was insightfully delivered by

Mrs. Roselyn Hope F. Cabanos, Guidance Associate of Central Philippine University. In her presentation, Mrs. Cabanos highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, the common challenges individuals face, and effective coping strategies. She also emphasized the role of community support and the significance of seeking professional help when necessary. Her engaging session provided valuable insights for better understanding and addressing mental health issues.

An open forum for questions and clarifications was held at the end of the session, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the resource speaker. Afterward, a certificate and a token of appreciation were presented to the resource speaker for her valuable contributions to making the seminar a success.

The event ended with closing remarks delivered by Dr. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, Chairperson of CPU Gender and Development Committee.