Bringing together students, faculty, and staff, the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) community gathered at the University Lawn on Friday, October 10 to celebrate World Mental Health Day, anchored on the theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Spearheaded by the Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC) in collaboration with the MSU-IIT Psychology Society (PsychSoc) and the Organization of Student Peer Facilitators (OSPF), the celebration aimed to promote mental health awareness and emphasize the importance of accessible support systems, particularly in times of crises and emergencies.
The event kicked off with an advocacy walk that started at Rizal Park and made its way across the campus, concluding at the University Lawn. There, IITians huddled for a short program that featured messages of support, creative performances, and interactive activities centered on empathy, self-care, and resilience.
Vice Chancellor for Student Services, Prof. Rohane Derogongan, underscored the importance of sustaining mental health advocacy in all circumstances.
“We are not simply promoting mental wellness when times are good, but especially when we are faced with calamities and emergencies,” she emphasized, reinforcing the day’s theme and the need for resilience amid adversity.
Newly elected KASAMA President Dave Garbanzos also shared a special message encouraging students to take care of their mental well-being amidst their busy routines.
“Whatever you do, I hope it is to de-stress yourself and to breathe,” he said, reminding everyone to find time for rest and reflection amid daily pressures.
Following his message, participants took part in a dance-based exercise, filling the area with laughter and movement—a reminder that mental wellness thrives in joy, connection, and shared experiences.
This year marked the second time MSU-IIT held a campus-wide celebration for World Mental Health Day, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering a compassionate, inclusive community that supports and values mental health.
However, the celebration was brought to an abrupt stop for safety reasons following this morning’s sudden 7.4-magnitude earthquake, which struck southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental, affecting neighboring regions.
In response, the Institute, by the authority of the Chancellor, issued a memorandum suspending all World Mental Health Day activities and directing students to return home, while faculty and staff were instructed to shift to work-from-home arrangements.
Written by Bea Faye Eumague
Proofread by Andrea Ross Sedero
Photos by Patricia Molina
Photo Edit by Samuel Adrian Guerra
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