ISUFST, DepEd Passi City Partner for Student Mental Wellness

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Passi City signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Jan. 30, 2025, to strengthen mental health support for students and guidance advocates in the city.

The partnership, formalized at ISUFST’s Boardroom in its Main Campus-Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, will run for five years and focus on systematically improving students’ psycho-emotional well-being.

This initiative follows the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by both institutions in 2023, which led to a series of mental wellness-related training sessions and discussions.

The new MOA centers on DepEd’s Katatagan Program and ISUFST’s Resilience in Schools through Empowerment (RISE) Project, which aim to address pressing mental health concerns in Passi City’s basic education schools, such as bullying, academic stress, and suicide prevention.

The initiative seeks to provide psychological first aid training and strengthen mental wellness support for students and educators.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. underscored the university’s commitment to the cause.

“This partnership is a critical step toward building a resilient educational environment where mental wellness is integral and accessible to all. Our students face challenges we could not have anticipated before, and now, more than ever, teachers need skills to help them address students’ emotional and mental struggles. It is not just about academics but about nurturing their well-being.”

Dr. Siason also reflected on his long-standing collaboration with Dr. Ma. Roselyn J. Palcat, recalling their shared advocacy for student welfare during their time at DepEd.

“We’ve been doing this together for years, and I’m proud to continue our mission of improving the learning environment for our children.”

Dr. Palcat, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Passi City, highlighted the program’s significance.

“The mental health of our students and educators is key to their success. This partnership gives us the tools to create a supportive and nurturing environment for everyone in our schools.”

She emphasized the importance of teaching resilience alongside academics.

“It is vital that we teach not only the subject matter but also resilience and responsiveness in the face of adversity. Our teachers and guidance advocates will be equipped to help students cope with academic and life pressures.”

Dr. Palcat also noted that DepEd Passi City recently won a regional innovation award for its mental health campaign. She attributed this achievement to the division’s strong collaboration with ISUFST, the local government of Passi City led by Mayor Stephen Palmares, Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Cameleon Philippines.

Under the MOA, ISUFST will provide training, counseling services, and career and mental health resources tailored to the needs of Passi City schools.

The three-year RISE Project will focus on building emotional resilience in educators and students, with an emphasis on addressing mental health crises.

Dr. Siason and Dr. Palcat stressed the importance of long-term sustainability for the programs.

“This is not a short-term fix,” Dr. Siason said. “We are committed to securing the resources and support necessary to ensure this initiative succeeds in the long run. ISUFST has strong guidance advocates, and we will use every available resource to support Passi City’s efforts.”

The pandemic has intensified mental health challenges for students and educators alike.

“Teaching resilience goes beyond mental toughness,” Dr. Palcat said. “It’s about giving educators the right tools to be supportive and responsive. We must prioritize mental wellness and provide a safe space for students to share their struggles.”

For ISUFST, the partnership marks a significant step toward creating a stronger, more resilient community in Passi City—one where students’ emotional well-being is valued as much as their academic success. (PAMMCO)