ISUFST and DepEd Schools Division Office of Passi City strengthen Suicide Prevention Workshop

In a significant step toward promoting mental wellness and suicide prevention, the DepEd Schools Division Office (SDO) of Passi City partnered with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) to conduct a Suicide Prevention Seminar-Workshop. Held yesterday, September 12, 2024, at the Nine Suite Business Hotel in Passi City, the seminar was part of the Katatagan Program, which champions mental health advocacy across the city’s schools. The initiative is aligned with ISUFST’s commitment to community involvement and regional development, while supporting the mental health thrust of Cong. Ferjenil Biron, a member of the university’s Board of Regents.

Registered guidance counselor Dr. Herman Lagon, ISUFST’s Director of Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO), was the resource speaker and facilitator. His presentation, titled “Suicide Prevention: Strengthening Mental Health in Schools,” focused on equipping educators with the necessary tools to identify and address suicide risk factors among students. Dr. Lagon emphasized the importance of early intervention, defining key terms like suicide ideation, attempt, and postvention, and underscoring the value of a supportive school environment. “We must change the narrative on suicide by fostering open conversations and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health,” Lagon said during his talk, which extended beyond the scheduled time due to the relevance and interest of the audience.

Dr. Ma. Roselyn Palcat, Passi City Schools Division Superintendent, hailed the collaboration, stating, “The Katatagan Program is already integrated into our schools’ guidance programs, using modules that have proven effective in managing mental wellness among our learners.” She further stressed the success of their division’s initiatives, sharing that their Katatagan story had been featured across Panay and Guimaras and would soon be shared with divisions in Negros Occidental.

The seminar was also supported by Atty. Fevi Fanco, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, who remarked, “We must take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others, becoming more effective instruments of change.” University President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., who was formerly a DepEd Superintendent himself, also reaffirmed ISUFST’s commitment to DepEd Passi City, stating, “This partnership aligns with ISUFST’s thrust for community involvement and mental wellness, reinforcing our shared mission to promote mental health and prevent suicide in our schools and communities.”

Participants, including elementary and high school heads, curriculum personnel, and operations staff, actively engaged in identifying warning signs of suicidal behavior and practiced crisis intervention approaches through case scenarios and role-playing exercises. The highlight of the event are the mini workshops and the lively sharing of insights in the plenary facilitated in by the resource speaker.

After the six-hour seminar-workshop on suicide prevention and mental wellness, the participants proceeded with an in-depth review on the Rapid HEEEADSSS (Home, Education, Employment, Eating, Activities, Drug Use, Sexuality, Suicide, Safety, and Spirituality) Assessment, led by Grace Farah Panes, Nurse II at SDO Passi City.

Given the seminar’s impact and success, both ISUFST and DepEd Passi City plan to hold more mental wellness activities in the future, continuing their joint efforts to promote mental health advocacy and prevent suicide within the education sector. (Photos by Dayle Pabiona and Nescel Panes/PAMMCO)