Malayan Science ensures students' well-being through programs and mental health initiatives

Malayan High School of Science, as part of its commitment to fostering the holistic development of its students, leads programs and conducts mental health initiatives to promote the well-being of its students.

[(above photo from L-R) Jasten J. Zorilla’s “Communication,” Hanz Gabriel C. Melendez’s “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body,” and Samantha Kirsten S. Dayag’s “No Stress, Just Positivity” were declared winners of the Mental Health Virtual Creative Art Contest.  

 

Last October 11, in honor of World Mental Health Day, Malayan Science hosted a stress management webinar for its students called "Mental Health After COVID-19 and Its After-Effects." The webinar, led by Jholyan Francis S. Fornillos, a psychology instructor at the University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB), addressed mental health concerns and issues during the pandemic, including stress and its relationship with mental health, common stress reactions, and coping mechanisms in promoting mental well-being.

Fornillos emphasized the need of raising mental health awareness since it affects an individual's overall health and quality of life. Mental health is also important for social and economic development, as mental illness may reduce an individual's output, putting a strain on society's finances.

UPLB psychology instructor Jholyan Francis S. Fornillos facilitates “Mental Health After COVID-19 and Its After-Effects,” a stress management webinar for Malayan Science students.

 

According to Alyssa Claire T. Firmalo, MHSS guidance counselor, the webinar was aimed at helping students in managing their emotions that may be caused by the current restrictions and circumstances brought about by the pandemic.

“We want to provide our students with a platform for genuine connection amid the current situation and encourage them to field questions or concerns regarding mental health with an expert or experienced professional,” Firmalo said.

Malayan Science also held the Mental Health Virtual Creative Art Contest, further raising mental health awareness among its students. Students submitted digital illustrations depicting the theme “Be Kind to Your Mind.”

Jastene J. Zorilla of 10-Alanine topped the competition with her work “Communication.” Meanwhile, Hanz Gabriel C. Melendez (“Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”) of 8-Argon and Samantha Kirsten S. Dayag (“No Stress, Just Positivity”) of 7-Einstein placed second and third, respectively.

“Through this competition, students were able to explore and express their creativity while encouraging other youth to speak up, seek help, and be empathetic,” Firmalo shared.

Guidance and counseling programs

Malayan Science continues to deliver its guidance and counseling programs to students through online channels, tools, and resources. Spearheaded by the Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC), the programs help create an environment conducive to learning and provide the means to help the students achieve their academic and developmental goals.

It regularly holds Virtual Turn and Talk, a program that builds and fosters camaraderie among students within their respective batches.

CGC works with teachers and instructors for a collaborative approach to the holistic growth of students. It holds routine interviews to determine students for counseling. The counseling sessions will help address students’ personal issues and academic concerns. CGC also conducts personality and IQ tests to help students become aware of and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Malayan Science also helps students make informed decisions on their future professions through personality development and career planning activities and exercises.