Malayan Science ensures students’ well-being through programs, efforts on mental health

Staying true to its commitment to promoting the holistic development of its students, Malayan High School of Science spearheads programs and implements efforts on mental health to ensure the well-being of its learners.

In the observance of the recent World Mental Health Day, Malayan Science conducted the stress management webinar “Mental Health After COVID-19 and Its After-Effects” for its students last October 11. Facilitated by University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) psychology instructor Jholyan Francis S. Fornillos, the webinar dealt with mental health concerns and issues during the pandemic such as stress and its relationship with mental health, common reactions to stress, and coping mechanisms in promoting mental well-being.

Fornillos highlighted the importance of raising awareness on mental health, as it plays an integral part in an individual’s good health and quality of life. Mental health is also critical to social and economic prosperity, as mental illness can impact an individual’s productivity, which could lead to high levels of economic burden to society.

“The positive outcomes of mental health awareness benefit not only the individuals involved but also the society at large. This makes mental health everybody’s business,” Fornillos shared.

According to Alyssa Claire T. Firmalo, MHSS guidance counselor, the webinar was aimed at helping students in managing their emotions that may be caused by the current restrictions and circumstances brought about by the pandemic.

“We want to provide our students with a platform for genuine connection amid the current situation and encourage them to field questions or concerns regarding mental health with an expert or experienced professional,” Firmalo said.

Malayan Science also held the Mental Health Virtual Creative Art Contest, further raising mental health awareness among its students. Students submitted digital illustrations depicting the theme “Be Kind to Your Mind.”

Jastene J. Zorilla of 10-Alanine topped the competition with her work “Communication.” Meanwhile, Hanz Gabriel C. Melendez (“Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”) of 8-Argon and Samantha Kirsten S. Dayag (“No Stress, Just Positivity”) of 7-Einstein placed second and third, respectively.

“Through this competition, students were able to explore and express their creativity while encouraging other youth to speak up, seek help, and be empathetic,” Firmalo shared.

Guidance and counseling programs

Malayan Science continues to deliver its guidance and counseling programs to students through online channels, tools, and resources. Spearheaded by the Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC), the programs help create an environment conducive to learning and provide the means to help the students achieve their academic and developmental goals.

It regularly holds Virtual Turn and Talk, a program that builds and fosters camaraderie among students within their respective batches.

CGC works with teachers and instructors for a collaborative approach to the holistic growth of students. It holds routine interviews to determine students for counseling. The counseling sessions will help address students’ personal issues and academic concerns. CGC also conducts personality and IQ tests to help students become aware of and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Malayan Science also helps students make informed decisions on their future professions through personality development and career planning activities and exercises.