Dr. Lydia Villanueva-Araneta, a guidance counselor at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), recently delivered three separate talks addressing critical mental health issues, reinforcing the university’s commitment to community engagement, particularly in fostering psychological wellness among the youth.
Her most recent speaking engagement took place at St. Paul School, Barotac Nuevo, on September 13, 2024, where she was invited as the guest speaker during a symposium on Mental Health and Overall Well-being. The event was sponsored by SPSBN Batch 1984 in celebration of their 40th year since high school graduation. During the talk, Dr. Villanueva-Araneta discussed mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and suicide, underscoring the importance of raising awareness on these issues within the school setting. She expressed her gratitude for the warm response from the students, stating, “My heart is full with so much gratitude and joy. You all inspire me to continue doing what I love to do—raising awareness and reaching out to those in need.”
Earlier this year, Dr. Villanueva-Araneta also participated in two significant community-focused events. The first was a talk at St. Paul University Iloilo (SPUI), where she discussed school bullying and its impact on students’ mental health. She then took part in the 2024 Regional Youth Celebration, where she addressed anxiety and depression, aiming to equip young people with the tools to cope with these widespread issues.
To note, the guidance counselors and staff of ISUFST have been conducting similar mental health engagements for the past years upon requests of different institutions. This reflects the institution’s strong commitment to youth mental health and well-being. Through these engagements, ISUFST continues to prioritize not only academic excellence but also the psychological well-being of its students and the broader community. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
