ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) partnered with John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo to deliver a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Awareness Seminar on July 22, 2026. The session, held at the CSM Function Hall, aimed to equip students and educators with the skills to recognize emotional distress and offer immediate, compassionate support before crises escalate.
A Psychiatrist’s Guidance for the Youth
Dr. Catherine Jane L. Eraldo, a psychiatrist and medical specialist from the IPHO, led the seminar with warmth and clinical expertise. She explained that Psychological First Aid is not about diagnosing conditions but about being a steady, calming presence for someone in acute emotional pain. Her message resonated with students who often feel the weight of academic pressure and social expectations.
She walked participants through the core skills of PFA: looking for signs of distress, listening without judgment, and linking individuals to professional help. Students practiced active listening scenarios, learning to validate feelings without offering quick fixes. The hands‑on approach transformed a theoretical concept into a tangible skill set they could use immediately with peers.
A School Community That Cares
The Basic Education Department of JBLFMU‑Molo initiated the seminar, recognizing that mental health is foundational to learning. Faculty members joined students in the audience, signaling that emotional well‑being is a shared responsibility. The university’s decision to host the event on campus sent a powerful message: seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength.
The seminar created a safe space where students could openly discuss anxiety, burnout, and loneliness. Many participants later shared that simply knowing someone understands their struggles made a significant difference. The event planted seeds of empathy that will grow throughout the school year.
Aligning with Provincial Mental Health Programs
The seminar is part of Iloilo’s broader PRIME initiative—Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion—which extends mental health services directly into communities and schools. Under Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.’s MoRProGRes Iloilo agenda, the province has prioritized accessible psychological support for its youth.
Data from the provincial government show that individuals aged 17 to 30 represent the most vulnerable demographic for mental health concerns, with anxiety, depression, and psychosis among the top conditions. By bringing PFA training to universities, the IPHO is building a frontline defense where peers and teachers can respond before crises deepen. The province also maintains a 24/7 mental health helpline for those needing immediate professional intervention.
Empowering the Next Generation
For JBLFMU‑Molo, the seminar is more than a one‑time event. It marks the beginning of a sustained effort to embed mental health awareness into the school culture. Trained students become mental health advocates, creating a ripple effect that reaches families and communities far beyond the campus gates.
The partnership between the academic community and the provincial health office demonstrates that protecting youth mental health requires collective action. As students return to their classrooms, they carry not just textbooks but the quiet confidence that someone is ready to listen when life feels overwhelming.
