SAN ILDEFONSO, Bulacan — Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) officially launched its three-day celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 6, 2026, at the BASC Function Hall, bringing together the academic community and mental health advocates to foster an inclusive and supportive environment across its campuses.

Carrying the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices Real Change,” the initiative running from October 6 to 8, 2026, was spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) through its Student Welfare Services Unit (SWSU). The team is led by Ms. Anna Marie Jennifer D. Gudadhe, SWSU Unit Head, College Psychologist, and Job Placement Officer, alongside Ms. Sunshine Joy N. Benosa, Guidance Coordinator, and Ma. Pinky I. Villacorte, Guidance Service Associate, with the special participation of the student organization Safe Space Allies (SSA). The three-day observance offers dedicated morning and afternoon sessions tailored to support both students and faculty members in building stronger mental health awareness and community support networks.

The morning session, focused on student wellness, began with an Audio-Visual Presentation. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Jameson H. Tan, BASC President III, alongside Dr. Cecilia S. Santiago, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

In his address, Dr. Tan acknowledged the growing mental health challenges students face today, observing that while the present generation may feel more vulnerable to stress and emotional burdens, strength lies in perseverance. He reminded students that despite these hurdles, they must continue to cultivate inner strength and strive to be resilient learners grounded in hope and determination.

Echoing this supportive stance, Dr. Santiago emphasized the institution’s commitment to standing by its student body, offering heartfelt reassurance: “Nais naming maramdaman ninyo, may makikinig sa inyo, may gagabay at may nagmamahal sa inyo.”

Key morning discussions included a talk by Ma. Pinky I. Villacorte titled “Behind the Silence: Notice, Act, Listen and Connect,” followed by an introduction to the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Safe Space Allies led by John Alfred Taruc, SSA Peer Director. Students participated actively during an engaging open forum, and the morning segment concluded with the awarding of certificates.

The afternoon session shifted the spotlight directly onto the institution’s faculty members, creating a dedicated space for educators to focus on their personal and professional well-being. The session was facilitated by Dr. Herbert Anthony Roberto,  Head of ISPSU, who guided educators through meaningful discussions on processing personal experiences, managing workplace strain, and fostering emotional resilience. The afternoon wrapped up with an interactive open forum and the presentation of certificates.

Closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Anna Marie Jennifer D. Gudadhe, who encouraged attendees to carry the day’s insights forward into their daily lives and teaching practices.

This activity at the Main Campus marks the start of a broader outreach across BASC campuses. The three-day event will continue on October 7, at the FFHNAS Campus where BTVC Campus shall also join, before concluding on October 8, 2026, at the Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT) Campus.

As BASC expands this mental health drive across its external campuses over the coming days, the initiative stands as a clear reminder that mental health is a shared responsibility—one where every story shared brings the community one step closer to genuine, lasting change.

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