THE newly revived BEDAN Peers successfully launched its first official three-part event, “Holistic Holidays with Peers,” last Dec. 3 at the Balcruz Hall.

The program began with welcoming remarks from Ms. Noriemarie Gesmundo, new head of the Career and Counseling Development Services (CCDS) office. 

Following with a Peers Facilitator training that set the tone for the day, unfolding in two major segments. CCDS Counselor Sir Aarness Abellanosa led the first session, titled “What it Means to Be a Peer Facilitator,” by inviting participants into reflection with a question that resonated throughout the room: “Why did you become, or what made you decide to be, a PEERS facilitator?” 

Building on this foundation, the second segment shifted to skill-building through “How to Be an Effective Listener,” facilitated by Bedan Peers Moderator Ms. Lyza Nieve. Taking on an interactive format, participants engaged in activities and dialogue enactments that illustrated different listening styles—Detached, Passive, Active, and Involved. Through this guided practice, Ms. Naive highlighted how listening goes beyond hearing words, stressing that “listening effectively affects our well-being.”

The afternoon sessions opened with the General Assembly, where they introduced the full roster of officers. 

Angela Amiga (II-BSP), President, unveiled the organization’s Calendar of Activities for the second semester including an “Appreciation Archive” spanning from February to March, consisting of weekly Saturday posts promoting journaling and creative expression, a Peer Support Skill-Building Workshop (first week of March) to host a second-level training for peer facilitators, a Peer Listening Booth (March 12, 19, 26, 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall) where walk-ins can converse with trained facilitators, and lastly, a year-ender Gratitude Circle held in May, where Bedans can gather for a community reflection. 

Franz Reyes (II-BSP), the project head of the event, shared the pressure they faced behind the scenes: “When you are handling both the finances and the event itself, there is a lot to keep in mind talaga. We have to be careful not to leave a single centavo unaudited, so the pressure was on talaga,” he shared.

Having navigated logistical challenges, unfamiliarity with paperwork, and the pressure of handling a significant three-part activity for the very first time, the PEERS treasurer  remained committed to ensuring everything ran smoothly. 

Despite these hurdles, members noted how fulfilling the experience was, especially as many navigated responsibilities for the first time. Kimi Pestaño, secretary of the Bedan Peers, noted in her closing remarks, “I hope the event could pave the way for connections of peers to strengthen and mas magdevelop yung communication and teamwork natin.”

The Bedan Peers’ first event stands as a promising start to a growing culture of support, service, and shared growth among students.