The Office of Student Affairs and Services, in collaboration with the Department Student Council Officers of Liberal Arts, hosted a webinar titled “Start a Conversation, Be a Difference” on September 30, 2025 to conclude the observance of Suicide Prevention Month. The event was held via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook.

The session featured Dr. Sheila Marie G. Hocson as the guest speaker, an esteemed psychologist, licensed guidance counselor, and former president of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA), who delivered a compelling keynote address aimed at raising awareness and providing informative insights on mental health.

The program officially began with Doc. Liandro Serrano delivering the opening remarks, followed by the introduction of the guest speaker by Ms. Lovely Princess Villar, University Psychometrician. This was succeeded by a question-and-answer session and an icebreaker activity, giving participants the chance to interact and share insights. The webinar was hosted by Ms. Shakira Colyn Abaca and Ms. Shusyn Brillantes.

In line with the same theme, OSAS also launched three competitions—Spoken Poetry, Digital Cartoon, and Essay Writing—aimed to provide students with platforms for promoting mental wellness through creative engagement and peer connection.

Elma Golloso, Juliana Daiz Umali, and Janelle Mikaela Rosales were declared first-place winners in the Spoken Poetry, Digital Cartoon, and Essay Writing contests, respectively. They were formally recognized during the awarding ceremony held on October 7, 2025, at the EMRC.

photos by Queen Ashly Dellosa and Hannah Manalo

The Envergan — In Pursuit of Perspectives.