OSAS launches I.C.A.RE. program; empowers peer mediators to support mental health

Rey Marco Z. CasiñoFebruary 9, 2023

Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) conducted a Peer Mediator Activity under its I.C.A.R.E. (Initiative for Counseling, Awareness, Referral, and Engagement) Program, Feb. 9.

This initiative aimed to strengthen mental health services at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation by training selected students to provide basic mental health support to their peers.

The peer mediators were trained to address common concerns among students while referring complex cases to professional counselors at OSAS.

The activity featured presentations from faculty members that highlighted the importance of self-awareness, trust-building, and referral protocols.

Prof. Daizelene Jabrica, one of the University's Guidance Counselors, delivered a presentation on self-reflection as a foundation for trust and understanding.

Jabrica explained that self-awareness enables individuals to recognize their strengths, beliefs, and weaknesses, which fosters authenticity and deeper connections with others.

According to Prof. Jabrica, taking responsibility for one’s emotions strengthens relationships and enhances the ability to understand the needs of others.

Dr. Liandro Serrano, another Guidance Counselor, discussed the counseling and referral process, emphasizing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by the current generation of students.

Dr. Serrano explained that while peer mediators can offer initial support through talk therapy, some situations require professional or institutional intervention.

For students experiencing suicidal thoughts, counselors at OSAS must be contacted immediately.

Cases involving self-harm or overdose should be referred to the university clinic for medical attention, while incidents of bullying or violence that cause distress are handled by the Prefect of Discipline (POD) following the student handbook’s guidelines.

"The I.C.A.R.E. Program demonstrates MSEUF’s commitment to promoting mental wellness and fostering a supportive campus environment. By empowering peer mediators, the program ensures that students have access to timely and compassionate assistance while reserving professional intervention for more serious concerns. This initiative reflects the university's dedication to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all," Joana Panganiban, Director of OSAS shared.

The I.C.A.R.E. Program of the Office of Student Affairs and Services is part of the Peer Mediator Activity, where appointed students can be the arm of the counselors to cascade their mental health services. These appointed students are well-trained to handle the basic concerns of their fellow students as they can relate to them more. However, if they ever encounter someone who needs professional counseling or talk therapy, they are to refer them to the OSAS department.

Prof. Daizelene Jabrica, one of the counselors gave a presentation on self-reflection towards awareness and trust-building. She said that awareness brings a person to the understanding of their strengths, beliefs, and weaknesses—which is a key factor for people to give their equal trust in us. “Being authentic, being who we are makes us more acceptable to others. This leads us to understand the needs of others because we too, have been in the same place,” she added. Taking responsibility of own emotions can over time create a deeper connection with self and others.

Dr. Liandro Serrano gave the second presentation which is the counseling and referral process. "This is an important idea for the peer mediators to understand as your generation poses different psychological and emotional needs" said Dr. Serrano. He also pointed out that talk therapy also has its limitations. The standard referral system being implemented in the office was also cascaded to the attendees, that in [such] cases where a student manifests suicidal ideations, they have to be referred to the counselors. In terms of self-harm or overdose, they have to be taken to the clinic to be attended by the University nurses and physicians. Finally, victims of bullying and violence which can result in distress and torture, student has to be referred to the Prefect of Discipline (POD) for the case to be dealt with according to the rules and conduct stated in the student handbook.