Bicol: The Commission on Higher Education in Bicol (CHED-5) has taken significant steps to enhance the mental and psychosocial health literacy of students by equipping guidance associates and other student support personnel in higher education institutions (HEIs) with crucial intervention skills.
According to Philippines News Agency, CHED-5 Bicol Director Dr. Demetrio Anduyan Jr. highlighted the development of Project GALING (Guidance Associates Leadership and Intervention Training for Nurturing Growth), a capacity-building initiative aimed at addressing the increasing demand for student guidance and mental health services. The project seeks to bridge the gap created by the limited availability of licensed guidance professionals in the region.
Dr. Anduyan revealed that the two-day training program attracted 151 participants from 117 HEIs across the Bicol Region, including 44 institutions in Albay, 39 in Camarines Sur, 18 in Sorsogon, eight in Masbate, six in Camarines Norte, and two in Catanduanes. The initiative aims to equip participants with foundational helping skills, mental health literacy, listening and intervention techniques, ethical awareness, and proper referral mechanisms.
The training does not intend to replace registered guidance counselors but rather to prepare participants to serve as responsible frontliners. These individuals will provide initial support and know when to refer students for professional intervention. Dr. Anduyan emphasized the importance of empowering existing personnel within institutions who are often closest to students, enabling them to provide initial assistance and make timely referrals while maintaining professional boundaries.
College students in the region face various challenges, including academic pressure, financial difficulties, family issues, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, discrimination, relationship problems, and uncertainty about future careers. The training covers a comprehensive curriculum designed to help participants respond appropriately to students in need.
Project GALING is envisioned as a sustainable regional initiative, with its continuation dependent on the evaluation of its initial implementation. CHED Bicol will continue to offer technical guidance and coordination to participating institutions and encourage HEIs to strengthen their student support systems and establish partnerships with qualified mental health professionals.
In distinguishing Project GALING from another initiative, Project GAYON (Guidance Assistance to the Youth Online), Dr. Anduyan stressed the importance of empowering those already in institutions and strengthening the systems around them to ensure students have access to appropriate assistance.
