DepEd conducted a two-day seminar held in Sindalan, San Fernando, entitled “Capacity Building

on Counselling Skills for Guidance Counselor Designates (DepEd( in the Province of Pampanga
on April 27 and 28, 2023. On the first day of the program, the SDS of DepEd Pampanga Dr.
Romeo Alip, gave his message about the department's appreciation of the current situation of
students. It was followed by the presentation of the current data on students by one of the
Child Specialists (DepEd), Ms. Paula Meneses, including those who attempted suicide and those
who died due to different situations.

Focusing on suicide prevention becomes especially important to build social connections, raise
awareness, and provide hope. Reaching out to our learners for their mental health and
wellbeing could be life-saving. As teachers, we have to consider the feelings of our students to
prevent harming themselves and provide proper intervention.

During the seminar, Ms. Janica Mikhail Yambao , Asst. PDRRM Officer (Pampanga) also
discussed that mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It
affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to
others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, especially
given the present status of the students in this pandemic.

After the talks by reputable speakers on different topics , certificates were given to them.

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The two-day seminar continued on April 28, 2023. The participation of each counselor
designate was appreciated. Ms. Theresa Marie Bondoc, Health Promotion Service Head (DOH-
CLCHD), elaborated on the importance of making the school a healthy environment for our
learners. She cited that our learners spend most of their time in school, and we should provide
them with the kind of environment where they feel safe and valued. Successful schools create a
culture of collaboration and shared responsibility among teachers and learners. The full support
of parents and the community should be present as well. These schools are safe, welcoming,
and respectful to all. Schools should establish a welcoming and respectful environment for all
and create teaching and learning as core values.

Ms.Rowena Mararac, Social Welfare Officer IV, Mariveles, MHWGH, also emphasized the role of
communities in suicide prevention. She added that communities can play a critical role in
suicide prevention. They can provide social support to vulnerable individuals, engage in follow-
up care, fight stigma, and support those bereaved by suicide. They can help give individuals a
sense of belonging and a feeling of connectedness by being part of a community. She said that
we have to work hand in hand to stop suicide attempts and deaths.
The last part of the program was given by Hon. Alyssa Michaela Gonzales, Chairperson, SP
Committee on Family, Women, and the Welfare of Children, who delivered her closing remarks
by citing awareness and providing different approaches to the prevention of suicide,
maintaining mental health, and minimizing bullying of our learners. The two-day seminar or
training ended with a wealth of knowledge and strategies for counselor designates that can be
applied to their respective posts.

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