VIRAC, Catanduanes — Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Gemma G. Acedo announced a series of programs aimed at addressing growing mental health concerns and the reported rise in suicide cases involving students.
In an interview over Radyo Peryodiko 87.9 DZBP-FM, Acedo said the university administration is strengthening counseling services, spiritual formation activities, sports programs, student organizations, and regulated internet use within the campus to help improve student well-being.
According to Acedo, the university is coordinating with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for mental health initiatives, including “Project GAYON,” which seeks to provide psychosocial and emotional support for students.
“If students need someone to talk to anytime, especially when they are feeling down and cannot open up to their families, they will have access to an online platform where they can share what they are going through,” Acedo explained.
She added that the administration plans to push for an online access site where students can directly connect to counseling and support services.
Aside from mental health interventions, CatSU has also entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Catholic Church to conduct regular catechesis sessions for students.
Acedo said the partnership aims to strengthen the spiritual formation of students through weekly catechism activities every Wednesday.
“It seems that the religious aspect among students is slowly fading, so we want to strengthen their spiritual foundation,” she said.
The program will not only cover the laboratory school but also the wider CatSU student community.
The university also plans to strengthen its Guidance Counseling Office and launch more extracurricular and sports-related activities to give students healthier and more productive engagements outside academics and social media.
“It cannot always be purely academics. Too much cellphone and social media use can also become toxic,” Acedo stressed.
Among the programs being considered are the revival and expansion of various student clubs and organizations such as sports clubs, English clubs, women’s clubs, and religious organizations to provide students with a “lighter side” of campus life and opportunities to develop their talents, interests, and social interaction.
Acedo said she would coordinate with college deans, the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), and other sectors of the university to strengthen student engagement and wellness programs.
The CatSU president also emphasized the importance of strengthening family ties and communication between parents and children to help improve students’ emotional stability.
“Family remains number one. Parents and children should continue communicating with one another,” she said.
Another measure being studied by the administration is the possible restriction of internet access to certain websites while students are inside the campus, in coordination with the university’s IT personnel.
According to Acedo, some students are already becoming too distracted by excessive cellphone and social media use, affecting their focus during classes.
“I am going to talk with the IT people regarding possible restrictions on some sites while students are in school and determine the appropriate hours for internet access,” she added.
Acedo’s statements come amid increasing calls for stronger mental health support systems in schools and universities as many young people continue to face emotional and psychological pressures. | Francis Benedict | Bicol Peryodiko Integrated News
