Members and esteemed representatives from the University of Baguio‘s Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD), who provide a wide range of support for mental health matters inside and outside the classroom, celebrated World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2026) with initiatives that champion learner development and health.
Carrying the theme #Thriving: Beyond Expectations, aligned with the World Mental Health Day theme, CCSD officers launched “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”With a dedicated podcast spanning six (6) episodes in total, along with the community’s solidarity of the Blue for All campaign, featuring advocacy and awareness, the campaign encouraged the whole UB community (students, management, and staff) to wear blue clothing or accessories on October 9, 2026, in support of Mental Health Month.
2026 World Mental Health Day: UB CCSD Initiatives
Designed to address the distinct experiences, responsibilities, and challenges faced by different members of the University community, the seven episodes conveyed the message that every person has a story beyond what others see, and every lived experience deserves to be heard with empathy and undivided understanding. The episodes tackled the following:
EP 1: “Beyond Expectations: Becoming More Than What Others Expect of Me”
Featuring Mr. Ulysses Dalog, Advocacy Specialist of Child and Family Services, Inc., the session addresses the experiences of the general population and the impending importance of discovering the individual’s identity that’s beyond the expectations of others
EP 2: “Beyond Expectations: Thriving Beyond Excellence”
Featuring Ms. Leny O. Estacio, RGC, Director of CCSD, the episode highlighted the right and healthy balance of pursuing academic excellence and performance while recognizing personal worth and self-identity
EP 3: “Beyond Expectations: Thriving in My Responsibilities”
Featuring a lecture by Ms. Ysabel Dominique G. Mendoza, a former student assistant and now a faculty member of the School of Information Technology (SIT), the topic offered a helpful perspective on navigating responsibilities, growing through experience, and finding ways to thrive amidst a load of multiple commitments, plans, and responsibilities (particularly for non-academic scholars)
EP 4: Beyond Expectations: Redefining Success, Balance, and Well-being”
Through Mr. England Danne B. Castro, RPsy, RPm, registered psychologist and faculty member of De La Salle University Manila, the discussion prioritized the feeling of redefining success that makes room for personal well-being, creating meaningful relationships, and an overall balance in work-life responsibilities and plans (dedicated towards ETEEAP scholars)
EP 5 and 6
Both episodes were delivered and facilitated by Guidance Associates Mr. Ian Alangdeo and Ms. Rizza Joy Quitaleg, contributing to success and meaningful conversations on nd the importance of accessible support within the University community
EP 7
Mr. Royce Vincent Alangsab, a student leader from the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management, facilitated the session. His involvement highlighted the importance of student leadership in promoting mental health awareness and encouraging meaningful conversations among peers
Other initiatives included Mental Health Awareness Month activities. This included the Day with CCSD: Making Space for Conversations and Connection. The activity featured on-the-spot consultations with assigned guidance associates from CCSD for a more approachable and accessible institutional support system.
With assistance from the Peer Facilitators, university students participated in raffles featuring mental health-themed toolkits and small tokens, including stickers, sweets, and pins. Other guidance and student development units also ran activities to promote mental health awareness. Including the Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES), UB HIgh School, and Science High School.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 World Mental Health Day initiatives and activities brought by the University of Baguio CCSD unit
Developing student-centered activities that build age-appropriate mental health awareness and provide accessible guidance services. Extending across the educational journey from elementary learners to high school students, university students, and employees.
With the initiatives directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) that advocate the importance of caring for mental and emotional health as part of overall well-being (Goal 3), UB moved forward with one timeless reminder worth carrying beyond Mental Health Month:
“You do not have to carry every burden alone, nor must you meet every expectation to be worthy of rest, support, and understanding.”
Thriving in the modern world is not about meeting every expectation, but about finding the support, space, and courage to become who you are. No soul should have to tackle everything alone.
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Written by: Ian Alangdeo
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
