“If you already have your own safe spaces, then be a safe space for others too,” one of the many inspiring words imparted during the PCC SUICIDE PREVENTION. The Student Affairs Office and the Guidance and Counseling Services (GCS) of Pines City Colleges (PCC) successfully spearheaded a vital community initiative titled “United in finding HOPE in times of DISTRESS”, held on September 25, 2026, at the PCC Covered Court. Designed to cultivate a compassionate, informed, and responsive campus environment, the program brought together students, faculty, and mental health advocates to promote suicide prevention, break down social stigmas, and highlight accessible support avenues.
The event commenced with an organized registration process facilitated by PICASSO officers and members, followed by an inspiring opening atmosphere. Mr. Jayson P. Belino, Head of Student Affairs and Services, delivered the opening remarks. He warmly welcomed the attendees and underscored the institution’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding student well-being, encouraging everyone to look out for one another and utilize campus mental health resources.
The program featured an enlightening keynote lecture led by guest speaker Ms. Catherine Mae A. Empleo from the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Chapter, Inc. Drawing from professional experience, Ms. Empleo emphasized the vital philosophy that “If you already have your own safe spaces, then be a safe space for others too.”
She addressed the heavy social stigmas surrounding adolescent mental health, urging students to shatter the silence, practice active empathy, and view emotional struggles not as weaknesses, but as human challenges that deserve professional care and community support.
To promote creative outlets for emotional expression, the event featured “Kwentong Puno”. It is an interactive community activity conceptualized by PICCASO in close collaboration with the Guidance and Counseling Services (GCS). Serving as a visual canvas for emotional release, the interactive installation allowed students to openly share and process both their positive and negative life experiences. By writing thoughts, reflections, and encouragement onto the symbolic tree, participants experienced a shared sense of relief and solidarity, realizing they are never alone in their personal journeys. Kwentong Puno: Interactive activity created by PiCCASO in collaboration with the guidance and counseling, serving as an outlet for both positive and negative experiences in life by the students.
Adding a powerful creative and inclusive dimension to the program, LGBTQ+ members of the Gender Sensitivity and Disability Committee (GDSC) presented a moving, reflective interpretative dance. Their performance beautifully highlighted themes of acceptance, identity, and resilience.
The orientation then proceeded to its discussion on suicide awareness, prevention, and intervention, emphasizing that suicide prevention requires awareness, timely action, and a compassionate response. The presentation identified several warning signs that may indicate a person is experiencing serious emotional distress. These include frequent expressions of hopelessness, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, declining school performance, changes in personal care, and difficulties associated with significant life events.
Led by the school’s mental health professionals, including guidance counselor Ms. Consuelo E. Pagaduan and psychometrician Ms. Jona Mae Q. Garapo. The session equipped attendees with critical skills: first, Recognizing Warning Signs, identifying behavioral changes and red flags in individuals who may be at risk. Second, Understanding Needs: Knowing what people at risk of suicide require: patience, non-judgmental presence, and professional linkage. Lastly, Appropriate Communication: Learning specific, supportive words and actions to use when intervening in a crisis.
The comprehensive orientation wrapped up with a self-care instructional video prepared by the GCS, offering daily coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques. Throughout the day, students actively participated in open discussions, sharing insights and asking questions about mental health care.
The PCC Suicide Prevention seminar powerfully reinforced its core guiding pillars for the student body: Listen, Speak, Stand, and Stay. Through collaborative institutional efforts led by dedicated guidance professionals and student leaders, PCC continues to ensure that its campus remains a beacon of hope, safety, and mutual support for all students navigating their academic and personal lives. #AlphaJoyPalisoc
