OSAS leads ‘training the trainers’ mental health workshop

The Office of Student Affairs and Services of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation conducted a “training the trainers” session for counseling chairpersons to help faculty modify learning environments, influence positive student attitudes and safeguard psychological safety in classrooms.

The training aimed to address the evolving needs and expectations of learners, particularly their sense of safety and belonging in academic settings.

Rey Marco Casino, OSAS officer-in-charge, emphasized that inclusive and humane teaching practices remain key to promoting mental well-being in classrooms. “Teaching is a difficult career these days, as we are expected to deliver more than what we can give,” Casino said.

“In small ways like avoiding stigmatizing language, respecting individual differences and adjusting the learning environment according to students’ phases, we help them feel understood and valued.”

Argelou Paderes discussed how educators can respond to mental health crises at the classroom level. He explained that psychological well-being directly affects attention, memory and problem-solving skills, and that stress, trauma and emotional exhaustion hinder learning.

“Our classroom discussions and activities should be practical and realistic,” Paderes said. “When we integrate emotional regulation as a life skill into our curricula, we achieve better retention, higher engagement and meaningful learning outcomes.”

The session reinforced the importance of equipping educators with strategies that balance academic rigor with compassion, ensuring that classrooms remain spaces where students thrive both intellectually and emotionally.

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The activity reflected the University’s core values of Mindfulness, Service and Excellence by promoting compassionate instruction and learner-centered environments. It also supported transformative and outcomes-oriented education by aligning teaching strategies with students’ psychological and academic needs.

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: The training strengthened mental health awareness and crisis response within educational settings.

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Faculty development enhanced inclusive teaching practices and meaningful learning outcomes.

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The initiative fostered safe, respectful and supportive classroom environments.