By Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez
The Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus joined the celebration of Mental Health Week 2024 with a grand opening program held this morning of October 7, 2024, at the Antonio Isidro Hall. Led by the Panginam Healing and Wellness Center (PHWC), in collaboration with the Community Relations Office (CRO), the celebration focused on the theme, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
Prof. Aminoding B. Limpao, PhD, Psy, the head of PHWC, emphasized the importance of mental health in all aspects, encouraging the MSU community, including employees, students, and residents of nearby barangays, to seek guidance from experts due to the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges. Director of Civil Service Commission-Lanao del Sur Field Office, Sandrah Arnica M. Usman, underscored the government’s commitment to promoting mental well-being in the workplace, considering it essential for employee productivity. She also mentioned that there is a proposal for two additional leave days specifically for mental wellness, allowing government employees to rest and reduce work-related stress.
Dr. Fema Abamo, Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, and Development, also shared her insights and expressed support for the initiative. PHWC’s Guidance Services Specialist and the master of ceremony, Raijana T. Esmail-Fayez also encouraged the audience to partake in the celebration by participating in the activities. CRO-Project Development Officer, Ibrahim Mangondato, representing the CRO Director Macmod G. Maruhom, JD, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to prioritize mental health not only in MSU units but among the local communities.
Highlighting the event was the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with neighboring barangays of MSU, including Lomidong, Cabingan, Banga, Dimalna, Rapasun, Biaba-Damag, and Cadayonan II. This collaboration aims to extend mental health services and support to the local community.
The opening program signifies the start of a week-long celebration packed with various activities and events designed to raise awareness about mental health and promote well-being among the MSU community. These include practical counseling orientations for MSU barangay communities, upskilling training for MSU External guidance counselors and designates, discussions on mental health in the workplace, workshops on disaster and first aid provision for select MSU responders, a PHWC open house, a PHWC collaboration with PGCA Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, among others.
