The University of the Cordilleras Guidance Services and Wellness Center (UC GSWC) and representatives from various institutions across the Philippines strengthened its commitment to student development and mental health support by participating in a benchmarking activity and a campus tour at De La Salle University (DLSU) on November 19, 2025, as part of the Educational Counselors and Psychologists of Asia–Asia Pacific Educators and Counsellors Association (ECPA–APECA) Conference 2025. The visit focused on three key student support units: the Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), the Lasallian Center for Inclusion, Diversity, and Well-being (LCIDWell), and the Student Success Center (SSC).

The benchmarking activity served as one of the conference’s institutional learning components, designed for the participating schools to explore best practices, program models, and innovative strategies in the delivery of psychosocial services, inclusion initiatives, and academic success support for higher education students.

At CPS, delegates were briefed on DLSU’s counseling framework, crisis response procedures, and case management practices. LCIDWell highlighted its inclusive education initiatives, Safe Spaces Act implementation, and campus-wide well-being programs. The SSC presented its evidence-based academic support system, including transition programs, coaching services, and early intervention strategies for at-risk learners.

Following the benchmarking sessions was a guided tour of the DLSU campus which showcased the university’s learning facilities, student hubs, and support service environments. The experience allowed attendees to observe how the university’s physical environment complements its student development programs, fostering a culture of academic excellence, safety, inclusivity, and well-being.

The visit served as a meaningful platform for inter-institutional collaboration which promotes professional exchange and shared learning among mental health professionals and advocates.