As 2026 progresses and knowledge and best practices in mental health and safe spaces grow, members and representatives from the University of Baguio‘s Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) participated in the 2026 PACERS Midyear Conference. Held on September 10 to 11, 2026, at San Luis Del Mar Resort in Bauang, La Union, the event showcased professional knowledge and practices for promoting mental health, safety, and inclusive support within the school community.
Representing the university was the university’s Guidance Associate, Ms. Jenel Mae B. Baniaga, who attended the two-day conference. The first day opened with a keynote address by Hon. Maria Rosario Eurosina “Chary” P. Nicse, who discussed strength-based and culturally sensitive approaches to building safe spaces. Safe spaces, she emphasized, are built through meaningful relationships. The succeeding sessions expanded this perspective. Ms. Mary Grace Serrato, LPT, RGC, presented the 4C’s Model for promoting safe digital spaces: Control, Connection, Content, and Care. Dr. Marissa Nicasio, RGC.
Promoting Mental Health Practices and Safe Spaces: 2026 PACERS Midyear Conference
On the first day of the conference, Ms. Chary underlined that meaningful relationships are the foundation of safe spaces. The sessions that followed broadened this viewpoint through the 4Cs Model (Control, Connection, Content, and Care).
This was introduced and further expounded upon by Ms. Mary Grace Serrato, LPT, RGC, to promote safe digital spaces. Dr. Marissa Nicasio, RGC. Addressing the positive language in mental health, emphasizing person-centered communication and sensitivity to triggering words.
Alt Text: Snapshot from professionals garnering knowledge and viable practices for promoting mental health during the 2026 PACERS Midyear Conference
Meanwhile, Ms. Marissa C. Pascual, RGC, RPm, discussed hiya through the indigenous perspective, encouraging participants to understand how adjacent Filipino cultural experiences influence help-seeking and perceptions of mental health. Ms. Joyler Grace D. Mazor of the Department of Education also discussed the “Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE)” policy and its relevance to schools and institutions in establishing safe, supportive environments.
On the second day, Dr. Estesa Xaris Que Legaspi, RGC, discussed intersectional identities in the Filipino context. She encouraged counselors to move beyond assumptions and identity-based impressions by applying the principle:
| SEE the person, UNDERSTAND the context, then RESPOND
The workshops further translated these concepts into practice. Dr. Peejay Bengwasan, RPsy, discussed interventions for children in conflict with the law, emphasizing professional neutrality, careful behavioral observation, and evidence-based documentation. Ms. Vanessa Agriz, MA, RGC, RPm, facilitated a session on Psychological First Aid (PFA), highlighting the importance of addressing immediate needs, providing emotional support, developing safety plans, and applying trauma-informed care.
By practicing measures aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through guided methods in promoting good health, quality education, and peace, justice, and strong institutions (3, 4, and 16), the conference reinforced the CCSD Office’s dedication to establishing secure, courteous, culturally sensitive, and encouraging environments.
By ensuring that each person is viewed with dignity, heard with compassion, understood within context, and empowered toward strength and well-being, the knowledge acquired will support more thoughtful counseling, referral, consultation, and psychosocial support practices.
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Written by: Jenel Baniaga
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
