In its relentless quest to promote mental wellness among students, faculty, and Academic Support Personnel, the Guidance and Testing Center, in coordination with all the colleges, International School, and Human Resource Department, hosted a seminar on April 11, 2024 at the University Auditorium.  The event focused on the theme Psychological Safety: Exploring the Realms of Resilience and Emotional Agility with the aim of promoting a better understanding of mental health issues and ways to nurture psychological well-being.

The seminar was facilitated by a renowned psychologist, Prof. Mariflor “Yeng” Gatchalian, RPsy, who served as the resource speaker, providing valuable insights and expertise on topics related to resilience and emotional agility. Participants had the opportunity to gain knowledge on strategies to build resilience, cope with challenges, and enhance emotional agility in the face of adversity. The discussion also emphasized the significance of grit, hope, growth mindset, care, and self-awareness in creating a safe space that support mental and emotional well-being.

One of the key takeaways from the seminar was the direct link between psychological safety and sustainable development goals. SDG 3 which focuses on good health and wellbeing, is intrinsically connected to creating a supportive environment that promotes psychological safety and resilience.

Moreover, initiatives that enhance emotional agility among students, faculty, and Academic Support Personnel have implications on SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By equipping individuals with the skills to navigate their emotions effectively, they are empowered to engage more actively in learning, teaching, and collaborative endeavors, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement and personal development.

The significance of the program lies in its emphasis on creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly discuss mental health issues without fear of stigma or discrimination. By promoting psychological safety, the seminar aimed to empower individuals to seek help when needed and to break the silence surrounding mental health issues.

Overall, the event served as catalyst for promoting mental health awareness. By exploring the realms of resilience and emotional agility through the lens of psychological safety, it provided a platform for insightful discussions, and practical tools to foster a compassionate, inclusive and supportive environment conducive to growth and mental wellness.