Written by Kristina Valdez
The University of Baguio continues to uphold its commitment to quality education by actively engaging its personnel in transformative professional development initiatives. In line with this vision, Dir. Leny O. Estacio, RGC and Ms. Kristina G. Valdez, Guidance Associate from the Center for Counseling and Student Development were sent as representatives in the PACERS 50th Anniversary and 2026 Annual Conference, held last March 25, 2026, at the Verdure, 4th Floor Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University Manila. Their participation reflects the University’s continuous effort to strengthen its mental health services through exposure to current trends, ethical practices, and innovative counseling approaches.
The three-day conference, anchored on the theme “PACERS @50: Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal”, featured eight plenary sessions that addressed key developments in the counseling profession. Discussions included updates on the implementation of Republic Act No. 12080, emphasizing the promotion of learners’ psychological resilience. It also covered sustainability practices that link environmental awareness with mental well-being, as well as evolving supervision practices in counselor training based on recent research in the Philippine context.
The plenary sessions also explored trauma-informed recovery frameworks grounded in the DSM-5-TR and Judith Herman’s tri-phasic model. In addition, one session discussed the Locus of Hope framework and highlighted the role of family, peers, and spirituality across cultures in fostering resilience. The integration of artificial intelligence in mental health work was likewise examined, encouraging practitioners to adopt technological tools while maintaining ethical standards and a client-centered approach. Moreover, discussions on counseling research and career sustainability emphasized the importance of building professional ecosystems that promote long-term well-being and purpose. The final plenary highlighted the value of self-regulation and reflective practice in conducting meaningful academic inquiry. More so, as an additional highlight of the event, specialized workshops designed to enhance the competencies of guidance practitioners and which the participants can personally chose to participate in were facilitated.
This engagement helped guidance practitioners better respond to change, support the healing of individuals and communities, and promote a more sustainable approach to mental health. By investing in continuous learning and professional development, the UB Center for Counseling and Student Development Office ensure that its counseling services stay relevant, responsive, and grounded in best practices, contributing to a safe, supportive, and mentally healthy school environment, directly supporting SDG 3 that targets the promotion of mental health and well-being.
