Written by Kristina Valdez and Kristina Velasco
The University of Baguio Center for Counseling and Student Development (UB-CCSD) wrapped up its annual Love and Wellness Celebration with a Mental Health Forum on February 26, 2025, at the UB FGB Hall. Held every February, Love and Wellness Month promotes various student development activities centered around love, the arts, and overall well-being. This year’s theme, “#Subscribed to the CCSD L-Series: Learning to Be and Learning to Do”, emphasized the importance of personal growth and mental wellness.
The day began with an on-the-spot Poster Making Competition focused on the theme “Freemium to Premium: Pathway to Wholeness.” Much like upgrading an app for the full experience, this theme highlighted the idea that mental wellness requires more than just quick fixes—it calls for a commitment to deeper, more lasting care. Seven UBians participated, including two from the Basic Education Department and five from the tertiary level, showcasing their creativity and artistic expression regarding mental health. Two international students also expressed interest in contributing by submitting entries through the International Students Association.
In the afternoon, representatives from the UB community gathered for an insightful discussion under the theme, “#BeInvolved: Subscription on Mental Health Awareness and Advocacies.” The plenary speaker, Dr. Irene T. Alcantara, RGC, emphasized the importance of understanding mental health. She debunked common myths, presented key facts, and highlighted the importance of maintaining an overall good mental well-being. Following the plenary session, a panel forum featured Dr. Alcantara and five esteemed mental health experts: Dr. Ricky Ducas Jr., RN from the Baguio City Health Services Office, Dr. Ava Angeli Bustillo, RGC from Bustillo Psychological Services, Ms. Jewel Minlorry Llanillo-Villanueva, RPm, RPsy from the Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center, Dr. Esmeralda Gatchalian from the UB-Medical Clinic, and Ms. Leny O. Estacio, RGC, LPT from UB-CCSD.
Together, they shared professional insights and engaged in a meaningful dialogue with the students and visitors, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health issues and available support systems. In closing, the panelists encouraged all UBians to prioritize mental health awareness and to take an active role in advocating for wellness, urging everyone to not only stay mentally aware but to also become ambassadors for mental well-being within the community.
Alongside the discussions, two interactive booths complemented the event. The UB-CCSD Peer Facilitators booth distributed informational brochures, sold flowers, and gave away bracelets to students. Meanwhile, the International Students’ Organization booth provided details about their group and shared encouragement notes to uplift fellow students.
The event not only marked a powerful conclusion to a month-long celebration of love, wellness, expression, resilience, and self-care but also ignited a sense of collective responsibility within the UB community. By highlighting the importance of mental health and self-care, it sought to inspire participants to take charge of their well-being and advocate for a culture of support and awareness. As the day ended, it became clear: the conversation on mental health doesn’t end here—it’s a commitment we all must make, every day, to foster a mentally resilient and compassionate UB community.
