The Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) Psychology Society held the Psychological Forum for Awareness, Intervention, and Research (PSYCHFAIR) on Friday, October 9 at the CED Amphitheater. The forum aimed to advocate for mental health across various communities, present research on wellness interventions, and encourage open discussions between speakers and participants on mental well-being and volunteerism.
Officially opening the program, MSU-IIT Psychology Department Chairperson Jennifer Gay E. Carpio, PhD, RPsy, delivered the welcoming remarks.
The panel featured Christian Jose D. Trasportes, RPm, CHRA, vice-chairperson for research of the Iligan Youth Mental Health Advocates (IYMHA); Christina V. Lomoljo, founding executive director of BDEV Child Protection (BDEVCP) Inc.; Luzviminda B. Quiñones, a BDEV volunteer and president of the Fil-Lux Eco Village Women Association (FEWA); and Reynalou S. Bontilao-Lagare, RPm, RGC, LPT, guidance services associate at MSU-IIT’s College of Education.
Trasportes shared that IYMHA helped secure the approval of Iligan City’s Mental Health Ordinance in 2021 and, in collaboration with the local government and the Iligan Youth Development Office, organized Voices of Youth: Iligan Youth Mental Health Awareness Month, a platform emphasizing that mental health awareness is not limited to adults but is equally important for younger generations.
Following this, Lomoljo discussed BDEVCP’s primary areas of focus and advocacy. The organization’s programs center on emotional recovery, the promotion of children’s rights, and volunteer mobilization, including opportunities for voluntary service overseas.
She also highlighted the Forging Intersectional Feminist Futures (FIFF) Network, which focuses on crisis response systems, online project implementation, and the provision of diverse and inclusive services for migrant workers, children, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The final speaker, Bontilao-Lagare, presented her master’s thesis, Assessing the Efficacy of a Campus-Based Transdiagnostic Intervention for Filipino College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Her research examined whether a brief, skills-based program could address underlying mechanisms associated with psychological distress among college students rather than focusing on a single disorder.
The study involved 70 students and compared two approaches: Care As Usual (CAU) and Transdiagnostic Intervention (TI). CAU involved regular guidance services, including counseling, referrals, and follow-ups, while TI followed an eight-phase, low-intensity, skills-based group program delivered by trained non-specialists. The presentation highlighted the potential of the transdiagnostic approach to address shared mechanisms underlying different forms of psychological distress.
“Your psyche is wired for growth,” Bontilao-Lagare said, concluding her discussion with a reminder that people can continue to grow through change and adversity, and that difficult experiences do not have to define their future.
Following the presentations, a roundtable discussion was held, allowing participants to raise questions, share observations, and discuss their concerns directly with the panelists.
Joshua Auxilio, a third-year BS Psychology student, asked the panel, “What did you hold on to to keep going even if you had hardships throughout the process?”
In response, Lomoljo shared that the feedback and encouragement of her peers had motivated her throughout the years. Knowing that the people she worked with appreciated her guidance and training encouraged her to continue. Above all, she emphasized the importance of community and the fulfillment that comes from helping others.
“Nindot jud kaayo paminawon ang mga pasalamat,” she said.
Trasportes encouraged participants to reflect on their reasons for continuing despite challenges. He explained that his commitment to volunteerism stemmed from recognizing that there was still much to experience in life and much work left to be done in mental health advocacy.
“I still have many things to experience in life. There’s big work pa to be done in mental health advocacy,” he shared.
Bontilao-Lagare, meanwhile, reflected on how personal experiences can deepen one's capacity for empathy, particularly in the mental health profession.
“If I would be defining success, it would be that you can’t do it alone. Experience those heartbreaks, those heartaches, those negative experiences in life. Because as mental health professionals, you will be able to use it as a shield in the field. You'll be able to give your empathy because you've been there. So that other people who will experience that in the future will not be alone,” she stated.
The forum concluded with MSU-IIT Psychology Society adviser Edmarie Zoe Gonzaga, MS, RPsy, and Psychology Society Vice President for External Affairs Aira Mechaella Tiongson presenting certificates and tokens of appreciation to the guest speakers.
Through discussions on youth mental health, community-based initiatives, inclusive advocacy, and psychological research, PSYCHFAIR highlighted the continuing efforts of organizations and professionals to address mental health concerns in Iligan. The forum also underscored the importance of collaboration, volunteerism, and empathy in building a community where people can access support and feel understood.
Written by Mia Raphaella Mallari
Proofread by Harris Donmoen Iligan
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