CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

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CPU BS Social Work students arrange Youth Mental Health Crisis seminar

by | May 8, 2026 | The Centralian Link | 0 comments

By Krisvimar Nogra – BA COMM 4, Centralian Link Intern


“Weak Ba Talaga?” organizers, attendees, and guest speaker (Photo credits: Nathaniel Calantoc)

To debunk misconceptions that the youth of today are “weak,” the third year Bachelor of Science in Social Work students of Central Philippine University organized “Weak Ba Talaga?” – Understanding the Youth Mental Health Crisis seminar on April 7, 2026 at the Senior High School building. In compliance with one of their major subjects, the group led by Nathaniel C. Calantoc chose the sensitive topic of mental health because they believe that it is “really an important issue to tackle, not just for the youth of the country but also the whole world.”

The seminar saw Iloilo City Councilor, Hon. Nene Dela Llana and CPU College of Computer Studies Faculty member Vince Val Oñate serve as guests, where the two spoke on crucial scenarios about mental health crises.

Giving out advice on how to navigate the complexities of mental health, Mr. Oñate shared that having a strong support system helps in bettering mental health, this includes family and friends that are present even at the low times. Hon. Dela Llana shared his personal account on how he dealt with personal struggles as he grew up. Sharing a heartwarming story about finding strength in our furry friends, he expressed that it’s through such coping mechanisms, he was able to push through the tough times.


Hon. Nene Dela Llana sharing a special message as guest speaker for the seminar(Photo Credits: Nathaniel Calantoc)

Celeste Ann Baloyo, as an attendee of the seminar, reflected on the importance of addressing mental health issues. “In a generation where mental health is an interesting yet still sensitive topic to talk about, the seminar [gave] us a moment of openness, a sense of awareness, and a lot of realizations [on] what it really means to be OK, to [not be] OK, and to understand what ourselves, others, and younger generations’ perceptions of some things as “nothing” for others, but it is “something” for them,” says Baloyo.

Event Lead Calantoc expressed his gratitude to the guest speakers, his co-facilitators, and seminar adviser Jett Louis Dumlao for the success of the initiative.