Breaking stigmas through awareness was the central focus of the Suicide Awareness Month Seminar organized by the Student Admission and Facilitative Enhancement (SAFE) Center, highlighting the theme “Breaking the Silence: Creating Hope through Action.”

Ms. Gemmilyn J. Acsioma offered her professional guidance counseling insights as she tackled relevant topics about mental health struggles and the development of healthier mental habits during the seminar held at the Clemente Sports Complex on September 9, 2025.

She provided an in-depth definition and elaborated on the different types of bullying, delving into theorized underlying psychological, environmental, and social factors that may instigate the act among perpetrators.

Moreover, Miss Acsioma also offered practical tips on effective communication and strategies for dealing with negative thoughts, distractions, and bullying.

She also introduced coping mechanisms and accessible tools for individuals to express their thoughts and emotions and expounded on their effectiveness in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral regulation as tools for developing healthier mental health habits.

Cenphilians from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Hospitality Management, Computer Studies, and Criminal Justice Education attended the morning session, while students from the Colleges of Agriculture and Forestry, Engineering, and Teacher Education participated in the afternoon session.

Under the leadership of University Psychometrician and Director Dr. Jirec A. Bacongco, together with Guidance Counselor III Ms. Sune S. Quintab, the program was organized by the SAFE Center as part of its crisis counseling and support services—aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing strategies to help address mental health challenges.