The DMMMSU Open University System (DOUS) Guidance and Counseling Unit, in collaboration with the Student Body Organization (SBO), spearheaded a Mental Health Awareness Seminar at the Library Makerspace, on February 26, 2025. The event was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join both in person and online.

DOUS Executive Director, Dr. Bernardo D. Lamadrid, opened the session with a message emphasizing the importance of self-care, and encouraging students to prioritize their mental well-being amid academic and personal challenges.

Prof. Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo, a Registered Guidance Counselor and Psychometrician delivered an insightful talk on the fundamentals of mental health, highlighting its crucial role in an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. She emphasized that good mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness but a state of balance that allows individuals to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and make sound decisions. She further discussed the importance of resilience and self-awareness in maintaining a productive and fulfilling life.

Dr. Meljo Z. Apilado, Head of Student Affairs Services, facilitated the event, ensuring an engaging discussion.
This initiative reflects DOUS’s ongoing commitment to promoting holistic student development, ensuring that learners are equipped with the knowledge and resources to nurture their mental well-being. (By Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo)