Agusan Sur strengthens mental health through student-centered activity
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), recently conducted a mental health awareness activity among 100 students of Agusan del Sur National Science High School (ASNHS) at the Provincial Learning Center (PLC) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Held on November 3, the activity aimed to deepen students’ understanding of mental health, promote emotional well-being, encourage open conversations about mental health concerns, and strengthen support systems for young people.
Jeane April Salang, an ASNHS student, said she hoped the activity would help young people feel understood and encourage them to seek support when facing personal challenges.
“I wanted them to connect with us and be able to say that they understand our problems and are here to help. That is the only expectation I want them to understand as youth. Finally, mental health concerns should be recognized because, for some, they are dismissed as overreacting. But it is not overreacting; it is a real problem,” Salang said.
The activity was facilitated by PHO Provincial Mental Health Coordinator Leodilyn Saraos, who emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, early identification of warning signs, suicide prevention, and knowing when and where to seek professional help.
Saraos encouraged participants to become more aware of their emotional well-being and recognize signs that classmates, friends, or others around them may need help.
“For us to understand the situation, we can recognize when a seatmate or even ourselves needs help. We can identify what we can do for others and for ourselves,” Saraos said.
The program also featured an inspirational talk and recollection led by Pastor Marco Anthony Milan, who highlighted the value of life, the importance of supporting one another, and the belief that every individual has a purpose.
“Your life matters. You’re a wonderful person, and you have a purpose in life. You are not an accident. If you need someone to talk to, someone who understands, listens, and does not judge you, we have our elder brothers and sisters who are not only trained but also have hearts willing to listen to you,” Pastor Milan said.
Meanwhile, Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Health Promotion Unit Cluster Head, Doctor Jenan Dimaporo, emphasized that promoting mental health is a shared responsibility that requires understanding, compassion, and collective action, particularly in supporting young people who may be vulnerable to mental health challenges.
Dimaporo highlighted three important actions that everyone can practice: ‘makinig, makipag-usap, at magpakonsulta’ or to listen, communicate, and consult.
She said that listening without judgment creates a safe space for individuals to express their feelings, while encouraging open conversations can help address concerns before they become more serious. Seeking professional consultation is also essential in providing appropriate guidance and support.
“This activity is very timely, especially for our youth who are vulnerable at their age when it comes to mental health concerns, particularly suicide,” Dimaporo said.
Through this initiative, the PGAS and PHO reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mental health awareness and building a supportive environment where young people feel safe to express themselves, seek help, and support others.
In line with the observance of National Mental Health Month, with the theme “Care for Yourself, Care for Others,” the student-centered activity reinforced the message that mental health is as important as physical health and that no one should face emotional and psychological struggles alone. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
