The University of the Cordilleras, through the Guidance Services and Wellness Center (GSWC), led a month-long observance of World Suicide Prevention Month 2026 with the campaign “Stories Still Unfolding: Changing the Narrative through Connection and Hope,” anchored on the hashtags #WSPD2026 and #ChangingTheNarrative.
The campaign featured a series of activities designed to create safe spaces for connection, self-expression, hope, and support. “Tambayan sa Bahay ni Benjie: UC Campus Edition” invited students to showcase their favorite UC spaces through short-form videos. Mr. Nick Jeruss V. Lagrazon, a first-year BS Accountancy student, won First Place, followed by Mr. Rodancel Jr. G. Gudchar, a second-year BS Business Administration student, in Second Place, and Ms. Alexis Gaile D. Abellera, a second-year BS Psychology student, in Third Place.
The GSWC also encouraged belonging through “SNAP INTO HOPE: A Picture of Connection,” where students and employees captured meaningful moments at the GSWC Welcome Photobooth. Through “May Kwento Ka, May Makikinig,” students shared their hopes, goals, aspirations, and messages of encouragement through the Freedom Wall. Meanwhile, “WELLBE-Ink: Your Story Continues” featured Semicolon Henna Tattoo as a creative avenue for conversations on hope, resilience, and mental health awareness.
The UC community also came together through Purple Thursday, Bridging Hope, and the Candle Lighting Activity. Wearing purple, tying ribbons on the hallway bridge beside the GSWC, and lighting candles became visible expressions of solidarity, remembrance, support, and hope.
Adding another layer to the campaign was the audio-visual presentation “MORE TO THE STORY,” which featured interviews from GSWC personnel. The presentation emphasized the importance of moving conversations about suicide away from silence, judgment, and stigma and toward openness, understanding, connection, and appropriate support.
The month-long initiative culminated on September 28, 2026, through the seminar “CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER: Changing the Narrative on Suicide Through Understanding, Connection, and Support.” Resource speaker Ms. Mary Grace S. Bagne, Registered Guidance Counselor, shared important insights on suicide prevention, stigma reduction, help-seeking, supportive communication, and available resources. One of her key messages to the UC community was: “No one should be ever left behind.” The seminar was formally closed by Dr. Rhodora A. Ngolob, Vice President for Administration and Student Services.
Through this initiative, UC reminded its community that suicide prevention begins with meaningful conversations, compassionate listening, and genuine connection. Every person has a story, and every story deserves the opportunity to continue unfolding.
#WSPD2026 #ChangingTheNarrative #YesUCan
