DRESSED in fantasy-inspired costumes and anchored on the theme “Ren Faire” a gathering immersing the attendees into a historical or fantasy setting, the Bedan PEERS gathered at Bellarmine Hall on Sept. 30 for their first general assembly, featuring a peer facilitator training and discussions on their plans and activities for Academic Year 2026–2027.

Ms. Norie Gesmundo, Head of the Counseling and Career Development Services (CCDS), formally commenced the event through her opening remarks, highlighting that the event reaffirms the organization’s commitment to serve others with empathy, compassion, and understanding.

“As peer facilitators, you play a vital role in creating a supportive and caring community where students feel heard, valued, and empowered,” she said.

Peer Facilitator Training

The event proceeded with the peer facilitator training led by The Bedan PEERS’ moderator, Ms. Vielle Galing, focusing on psychological first aid and equipping peer facilitators with basic skills in recognizing and responding to signs of distress.

The training highlighted that distress may not always be immediately visible, as it can manifest through emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical changes. Participants were taught to observe changes in their peers, such as withdrawal, sudden changes in routine, and shifts in usual behavior, without immediately making assumptions or diagnoses.

Ms. Galing also introduced the SAFER response—See, Approach, Focus on listening, Encourage support, and Refer and respond, as a guide for peer facilitators when assisting students experiencing distress. “The reason to understand, not to fix. You don't have to solve their problems. What they needed is a friend to lean on as a support,” she said.

The training further stressed the importance of validating a peer’s experiences instead of minimizing or comparing their struggles, while encouraging facilitators to connect students with appropriate professional support when necessary.

Plans and Directions for A.Y. 2026-2027

The event also formally introduced the incumbent officers for the academic year, who presented their respective plans and upcoming activities.

Sasha Deocareza (IV-BSP), Social Media Manager, highlighted the continuation of Harmony In Hues, an online art-based activity that pairs students to create art together. She also discussed EncourageMINT, a campus-based initiative held after examination periods where members check in on students and offer words of encouragement. 

Meanwhile, Jewel Rivera (III-BSP), Head of Logistics, introduced Pax Space, an initiative designed to provide a space where members of The Bedan PEERS can come together and foster camaraderie. The activity is held twice a month, bringing the different committees together.

Alyssa Factor (III-BSBA MM), Head of Documentation, presented Live Legacy, a platform that features speakers from outside the school who can share insights intended to help students with student life and their future.

Maria Cassandra Bollozos (III-BSP), Head of Creatives, also presented two initiatives to be facilitated during consultation weeks: Angry? Draw!, as well as Show It All!. The activities aim to provide students with an avenue to express and release feelings from the midterm period while showcasing the artistic side of the students.

Keona Malajacan (III-BACMS), Public Relations Officer, presented two proposed platforms: A-PEER Tayo, a digital podcast centered on peer experiences and topics beyond friendship and mental health, as well as a Christmas Carol, a fundraising activity open to students. She said the podcast is targeted for development within October, while details for the fundraising initiative will be announced later.

Matthew Constantine Amar (III-BSLM), Auditor, introduced TransPEERancy, a platform focused on financial accountability. Zander Jason (III-BSBA MM), Treasurer, presented Tipid ang PEER-a and Stewardship, Honesty, Accountability, and Transparency (S.H.A.T Up) platform, two platforms focused on financial stewardship and student engagement. 

Angeli Botor (II-BSP), Assistant Secretary, introduced The Exhale Lounge, a post-examination decompression space planned during midterm and final examination weeks, while Aaron Atienza (I-BSLM), Secretary, presented the Connect-Support-Develop-Serve (CSDS) program, which was described as a mentoring system intended to support freshmen and students in navigating school life.

Keira Cidonie Alberto (III-BSP), External Vice President, presented plans for Guidance Month and Chill O’ Trip in October. Guidance Month will be conducted in collaboration with two other organizations such as Silakbo and Rovers, while Chill O’ Trip will feature games and an open-up session where students can approach the peer facilitators for support. Alberto also announced plans to hold another swimming team-building activity for student leaders, similar to the previous year’s activity, as well as additional leadership training.

 Paul Joseph Binondo (III-BAP), Internal Vice President, presented a platform centered on a central database spreadsheet, with the goal of keeping track of members and ensuring that contributions and participation are properly recognized. 

“It's all about giving credit where credit is due, making sure that everyone is heard and everyone has the knowledge na kailangan para mag-move forward within the organization,” he said.

Lastly, Hannah Mores (III-BSP), President, presented plans for an inter-school peer facilitator guild assembly called SymPEERsium, which would bring peer facilitators from other schools together for training and sessions. “I hope that you will be excited and ready for that, not just physically but also mentally and syempre ‘yung intellectual natin, kumbaga trained na tayo,” she said, stating that the event is a game against other schools.

Closing the event, Ms. Galing encouraged the members to become a source of support and safety for others, emphasizing the importance of being the person they once needed.  “Please be the peer that you once needed, okay?” she said as the program came to a close.