PINAOD, SAN ILDEFONSO, BULACAN – Proving that education goes beyond the four walls of a classroom, the Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) transformed its gymnasium into a hub for mental health and social awareness this month, dedicating three days to equipping students with life skills not found in textbooks.

From November 26 to 28, the college held the Wellness Enhancement Activities 2025, themed “Thrive & Flourish: Equipping Students in Days of Adversities.”

The event, organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) – Student Welfare Services Unit (SWSU), was facilitated in partnership with the student organization Safe Space Allies (SSA). The goal was to provide a break from academic pressures and focus on building resilience, personal safety, and inclusivity among the student body.

Leadership Support The series kicked off with Dr. Cecilia S. Santiago, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who reminded students during the opening ceremonies that mental resilience is the backbone of academic excellence.

College President Dr. Jameson H. Tan underscored the highest institutional commitment to student welfare when he addressed attendees on the final day. Closing remarks for the successful series were provided by Ms. Anna Marie Demetillo, OSAS Head of SWSU. Throughout the three-day program, Ms. Demetillo served as part of the core team responsible for introducing the expert resource speakers, alongside Ms. Sunshine Joy Benosa (SSA Adviser and SWSU Guidance Coordinator) and Ms. Ma. Pinky I. Villacorte (Instructor 1 from the Institute of Arts and Sciences).

Tackling Real-World Issues To ensure every department was reached, the program rotated audiences daily, tailoring discussions to specific colleges.

• Day 1: Rights and Respect. Students from the Institute of Education, Computer Studies, and the College of Engineering and Technology focused on legal protections. Ms. Panjee B. Navales (Mapua University) led a critical discussion on the Anti-bullying Act, followed by Dr. Ruth R. Malabiga (La Consolacion University), who educated students on the rights of Persons with Disability (PWDs) against public ridicule.
• Day 2: Health and Safety. The Institute of Arts and Sciences and College of Management tackled personal well-being. Dr. Elizabeth DC Roces (Baliwag University) shared practical self-care tools for managing academic stress, while PLTCol Gilmore A. Wasin (Chief-of-Police, PNP San Ildefonso) gave a frank presentation on drug abuse prevention and control.
• Day 3: Critical Awareness. The series concluded with the College of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine addressing sensitive but vital topics. Ms. Maria Lourdes Policarpio (Baliuag University) led a talk on HIV/AIDS awareness, while BASC’s own Atty. Sheigla Nerie V. David clarified institutional guidelines regarding the Sexual Harassment Act.

The “Thrive & Flourish” initiative marks a significant step for BASC as it continues its transition toward university status (BSAU), aiming to produce graduates who are not only professionally competent but also emotionally resilient and socially responsible.

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