Building Resilience: Agay NHS Holds Mental Health Symposium

Agay, RTR, Agusan del Norte — August 26, 2025. The Agay National High School (Agay NHS) covered court was filled with meaningful conversations and learning as the school conducted a Mental Health Symposium for selected senior high school students and Peer Health Navigators. The event served as a safe space to raise awareness on pressing mental health concerns affecting the youth today.

Organized under the YOLO (Youth Optimizing Life Opportunities) program, the activity was spearheaded by Mr. Jayson Patalinghug, YOLO Coordinator of Agay NHS, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.

Empowering Youth Through Awareness

The symposium gathered Peer Health Navigators Officers and members, alongside selected Grade 11 and 12 students identified by the Guidance Office, making the event both exclusive and impactful. The goal was to equip students not only with knowledge but also with coping skills to handle the challenges of adolescent life.

Two distinguished speakers from DSWD Caraga served as resource persons:

• Ms. Raya Crystal B. Repullon, PDO II

• Mr. Christian B. Silverio, SWO II

They engaged the participants in an interactive discussion on topics highly relevant to today’s generation: Mental Health, Stress Management, Anxiety, Depression, and an Introduction to the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (WiSUPPORT) Program.

Breaking the Stigma

The speakers emphasized that talking about mental health should no longer be considered taboo. Instead, it should be normalized as an important part of overall well-being. Students actively participated, sharing their own thoughts and questions about handling stress, overcoming anxiety, and seeking help when needed.

“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Reaching out is not a weakness, but a strength,” Ms. Repullon highlighted during her session.

Mr. Silverio, meanwhile, introduced the WiSUPPORT program, a DSWD initiative providing virtual platforms for psychosocial support. This innovation allows individuals to access professional help remotely, breaking barriers of distance and stigma.

YOLO in Action

The symposium formed part of Agay NHS’s continuing implementation of the YOLO program, which champions holistic well-being among learners. Mr. Patalinghug stressed that the activity aligns with the school’s vision of producing not only academically capable but also emotionally resilient students.

“In this generation, our learners face multiple pressures inside and outside the classroom. Through YOLO, we want to remind them that life is valuable, and mental health matters,” he said.

A Step Forward

The event concluded with students expressing their gratitude, noting that the symposium opened their eyes to the importance of self-care and empathy. The participants were encouraged to share their learnings with peers, amplifying the reach of the advocacy.

With the successful conduct of the Mental Health Symposium, Agay NHS takes a stronger step toward nurturing a supportive community where young people are empowered to value their well-being, seek help when needed, and extend kindness to others.