A new chapter in history unfolded in March 2020 when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a pandemic, forcing people to isolate themselves from the world and face their innermost turmoil. The pandemic also caused a rift in everyone’s mental health, most notably in students.

Thus, last Oct. 21, at the Tugade Auditorium, a project aiming to highlight the importance of mental health and volunteerism was held with the help of the Student Executive Council’s Student Development Program entitled “Remember to Create Awareness and Render Encouragement.” Filipino-American actress and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador Antoinette Taus was invited as the event’s guest speaker.

The Power on Your Side

Dr. John Paul R. Domingo, the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, delivered the welcoming remarks and expressed how this program provides students with unique ways to alleviate stress and mental fatigue and the opportunity to reflect and strengthen their faith. He highlighted the vision of SBCA as his conclusion, saying, “It will not be fulfilled without the physical, psychological, and spiritual formation and development.”

Moreover, in her motivational address, Prof. Maria Adrianna Quioyo, the Prefect of Student Discipline and Formation, described how the pandemic altered our culture and perspectives. She stated that regardless of race, gender, or religion, experiences have heightened the importance and difficulty of mental health for everyone. With that, people are naturally more empathic, observant, and sensitive to the concerns of others.

On the other hand, Prof. Roma Wynn Sedo, SEC Moderator and Vice Dean of Student Affairs introduced Taus as the UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and founder of Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) & Sustainable Planet. She underlined how committed Taus was empowering the youth to lead as change agents in the transition to future-centered betterment for all.

Volunteering Equals Healing

Love, courage, and purpose — these were the essential words that Taus answered whenever someone asked how she could make a difference. She voiced, “If we can incorporate love in everything we do, that would have already solved all issues out there.” While talking about the third word, purpose, she highlighted the establishment of her non-profit organization – Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA).

Taus hid her grief for nearly a decade after her mother’s death but volunteering altered everything when she believed she was recovering. After years of volunteering at CORA, she was surprised to find that she wanted to wake up every day. Despite the stress and concerns, she has learned to adapt and regulate events better, lessening her panic attacks. She highlighted that listening to people and being present for them was a way to heal oneself and, in turn, the world. Taus ended her speech by stating, “It is okay not to be okay.”

Prof. Precy G. Baluarte, Prefect of Student Activities, gave the closing remarks and asserted that “a healthy mind leads to a healthy body.” Regardless of a person’s current situation or how heavy the burden is, she believes there is a glimmer of hope to improve and significantly regulate mental health.

Courage Turns To Purpose

The Bedan Herald interviewed Taus during the open forum about the turning point in her life that prompted her to speak about her mental health issues. She answered that this happened when she was invited to speak at the World Health Organization Philippines; she added, “It is much better if you just let it out, let go, talk about it, and share it with others.”

Prof. Sedo was also interviewed on the traits she desired in a speaker that led her to choose Taus. She explained, “She practices what she preaches. She is working based on her passion and life experiences.” Additionally, Prof. Sedo affirms that the Office of Student Affairs plans to collaborate on volunteerism and environmental initiatives in response to what proposal or goals the college department has in mind when it comes to volunteerism and healing among everyone. “The best way to promote volunteerism is to know first the objective, let our students initiate activities that will help them grow and be independent,” she shared.

Sometimes, the darkest experiences in one’s life will lead everyone back to the light, allowing them to discover their true purpose. The message of the event emphasized the importance of one’s mental health and how volunteering can be a form of healing. This talk is just the beginning of a series of events, forums, and seminars that comprise the SEC’s student development program.