Written by Ian Alengdeo (CCSD)
A famous African Proverbs states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Training students to lead and fully allow them to be allies of Mental Health empowers them with skills they can use for life, not just for a moment. Furthermore, training in all its positive forms is about collaboration and building a UBian community that thrives together. With this, the University of Baguio Center for Counseling and Student Development (UB-CCSD) facilitated trainings for the CCSD student organizations such as the Peer facilitators assigned for the College Unit, Peer Mediators of UB High School, and the Science High Ambassadors.
CCSD Peer Facilitators – Mental Health and Servant Leadership
The training for the Peer Facilitators was conducted last September 2, 2025 at the UB Centennial Hall. During the event, the facilitators received a general orientation on their responsibilities for the upcoming school year, which include activities, assignments, and projects. The key highlights of their training focused on major topics that are considered essential to their role as PF. The first training session was led by Ms. Leny O. Estacio, the current Director of the CCSD Office, on the topic ‘Detecting Warning Signs of Mental Health Concerns’ She emphasized different mental health problems, triggers, warning signs and effective ways to manage these concerns. Part of this is the encouragement of facilitators to be aware of these concerns and make proper referrals. The second training topic is Servant Leadership facilitated by Ms. Angel Lorenzo, the Lead Event Coordinator of Amare La Cucina, Inc. of Baguio City and the first transwoman elected as Student Body Governor at the University of Baguio, a milestone that inspired and empowered many. During her talk, she shared her experiences that developed her as a Servant Leader and provided different insights for the facilitators as to how navigate their life in the University of Baguio inspiring students and young people to discover their true potentials. Moreover, she facilitated insightful activities to further explore the leadership narratives of the students involved for mental health and leadership.
In the general training, Ms. Kristina G. Velasco highlighted the history of Peer Facilitator; trainings, projects and upcoming activities. She also introduced the Peer Facilitator Advisers namely Mr. Ian R. Alangdeo and Ms. Kristina G. Valdez. In addition, Ms. Jozenieh A. Bangibang re-introduced the Roles of Peer Facilitators and equipped students how to be effective this school year. Overall, the activity was attended by 16 Peer Facilitators ready to serve the UBians this academic year.
Peer Mediators – UBHS on Mental Health and Team Work
The Peer Mediators are allies of the UB CCSD assigned to UB High School in the effective facilitation of their programs and activities. The training was conducted at UB Centennial Hall last August 26, 2025, a one-day training the equipped students with relevant topics on mental health and team dynamics. The firs speaker, Ms. Rizza Joy Quitaleg assisted the Peer Mediators on the effectiveness of team work, its dynamics, functions and resolving possible conflicts. This helped students understand their contributions and collaborations with other PMs. Moreover, the second topic was delivered by Mr. Richard A. So, the current Head of the Kings College of the Philippines Guidance Unit. He provided essential topics to understand Mental Health and ways to navigate different mental health concerns. These topics further empowered the PMs and their advisors to move forward with a vision of hope this school year. Overall, the activity was attended by 23 Peer Mediators.
Science High Ambassadors – Advocating Roles in the School Community and Mental Health
Reaching out beyond the office walls is a key expression of the UBian spirit and an essential part of CCSD’s work. In line with this, the upcoming training for the Science High Ambassadors will highlight their role within the school community, equipping them to support classmates in overcoming challenges, fostering growth, and promoting a better understanding of mental health. The training will take place at SciHigh Function Hall on September 20, 2025. Moreover, the UBSHS CCSD has invited two alumni speakers to facilitate these important sessions. Ms. Kassy Yana Pasiwen, an alumna of UB Science High School, will deliver a training topic on Mental Health, as the SciHigh Ambassadors will be working closely with students under the supervision of the SciHigh Guidance Associates. Meanwhile, the session on “Advocating My Role in the School Community” will be facilitated by Mr. Gabriel John Madriaga, the current Marketing and Promotions Associate of the UB Linkages Office. Together, these learning opportunities will prepare the ambassadors to serve with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
