By: Pia C. Arroyo
In the past years, most headlines have focused on the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there is still a health crisis people should deal with—Mental Health.
Every school knows the importance of promoting mental health awareness among students. It is said that health and education are interdependent. And so, healthy students are better learners.
For this reason, the San Pablo City Integrated High School- Science Department led by the Association Towards Mobilization of Science (ATOMOS), with its goal to promote an appreciation for science and public understanding of science, technology, and environmental protection, conducted the ATOMOS-tahan (Virtual Kumustahan) “An Interactive Mental Health Awareness Webinar” last November 12, 2021, via Google Meet and FB Live.
Even before the pandemic, ATOMOS has been very focused on achieving its goal. Interactive and fun activities such as ATOMOS bonding and ATOMOS Science Camp were among the activities participated by all grade levels in a face-to-face setting. Since the ATOMOS-tahan could not be done in the same setting, such activity was conducted virtually.
The Virtual Kumustahan was carefully planned and organized by the ATOMOS Officers, Adviser, Pia C. Arroyo, Moderators, and Members of the Technical Working Groups-Emmanuel Revilla and Julius Riego. It started at 10:00 A.M via Google Meet and FB live.
SPCIHS Principal, Dr. Lina M. Laguras inspired the students and the teachers with her message. It was followed by welcome remarks given by the Science Department Head, John Roldan Dimaano.
Mrs. Mariz Borgoños-Pales, a Guidance Counselor III from Liliw National High School was invited as the resource speaker of the webinar. She talked about current issues regarding mental health awareness and a person’s positive and negative coping mechanisms. All participants show enthusiasm and excitement during the session and even during the interactive activities done in the webinar. Being approachable enough, the speaker was able to solicit questions from the participants.
The program ended with good feedback and comments collected from the monitoring and evaluation form filled up by the participants online. One of the remarkable comments was that they learned a lot about mental health awareness and have taken into mind how to deal with stress better and how to manage their time well.
The activity has brought a powerful impact on both students and teachers being able to learn how to boost their mental health during this pandemic.
