NEUST champions mental resilience for graduate students

“Kumusta ka?” These two simple words serve as a common, yet profoundly significant, way to inquire about a person’s general state of being, including their mental and emotional well-being.

In line with this spirit of checking in, the graduate students of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) participated in a seminar titled “From Stress to Strength: Mental Wellness Promotion and Suicide Prevention in the Workplace” on September 13, 2025, at the Mini-Convention Center, Sumacab Campus.

The event, designed to address critical mental health issues, was organized by the university’s Guidance and Counseling Office under the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), in collaboration with the NEUST Graduate School and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Psychology Department.

Dr. Ma. Lourdes Quijano, Dean of OSAS, opened the seminar by welcoming participants and outlining its purpose. “This seminar is designed to guide us in recognizing the importance of mental wellness, understanding the value of seeking support, and cultivating resilience in both our professional and personal lives,” she stated.

NEUST President, Dr. Rhodora Jugo, delivered a message emphasizing community, support, and proactive compassion. She underscored that no one should feel alone in their struggles and highlighted the university’s commitment to its members.

“No one should feel that they are alone, because in every community, there is always someone willing to listen and to care,” Dr. Jugo said. “At NEUST, we believe that every member of our community—whether faculty, staff, or student—deserves to feel valued, supported, and cared for.”

Dr. Jugo stressed the importance of small, kind gestures and a supportive environment, noting, “Let us create that kind of environment where asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of courage.”

The seminar featured two key presentations. The first was delivered by Karen Jann Aquino, Head of the Psychological Testing Office and a Faculty Member of the Psychology Department, who discussed the “Mental Health Status of Graduate School Students” with data and context specific to the attendees’ academic level.

This was followed by a talk from Tadz Mahal Nicolas, also a Psychology Department faculty member, titled “From Stress to Strength: Mental Wellness Promotion and Suicide Prevention in the Workplace,” which provided practical strategies for managing stress and fostering mental resilience in professional settings.

An open forum facilitated by Dr. Clarinda Reyes, Chairperson of the Psychology Department and Guidance Coordinator of the Graduate School, allowed for active participant engagement where attendees asked questions, sought advice on specific cases, and shared personal experiences, fostering a dialogue on practical mental health challenges.

The seminar underscored the university’s commitment to the mental well-being of its academic community, particularly for graduate students who often balance intense academic pressure with professional and personal responsibilities, by providing a platform for education and open conversation to equip students with the tools for resilience and mutual support, reinforcing that mental health is integral to overall success.

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