The Guidance Services and Wellness Center (GSWC) conducted its CARE (Connect, Appreciate, Reflect, Empower) Circle Session 2 last October 13, 2026, bringing together its personnel for a meaningful day of discussion, reflection and learning. Facilitated by Ms. Daphne E. Zaparita, Coordinator, the session provided an avenue for the team to exchange ideas and insights, strengthen professional capacities, and enhance collaborative efforts in delivering responsive student services.
The session started with Ms. Jezreel Donna Tandoc, sharing important discussions on the Guidelines for the Recording and Reporting of Suicide, Suicide Attempt and Self-Harm, and Suicide Prevention Intervention and Postvention Protocol. The discussion emphasized the objectives, policy and legal frameworks, and procedures involved in reporting and recording such incidents, as prescribed by DOH-CHD-CAR Memorandum Circular No. 2026-0102. Through an interactive exchange, the personnel raised questions and shared insights regarding the reporting process, the extent of information required, and the appropriate coordination among concerned offices and stakeholders. The discussion underscored the importance of clear protocols, timely coordination, confidentiality, and appropriate communication in responding to suicide-related and self-harm incidents.
Following the first topic, the session also highlighted key points on the Capacity Development and Strengthening Collaboration on Women, Peace and Security attended by Dr. Angelita A. Padilla last September 21-25, 2026. Through assigned readings and interactive discussions, the GSWC personnel explored key concepts and insights related to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, including its relevance to the Cordillera Administrative Region. The activity encouraged shared learning and highlighted the importance of strengthening awareness, participation, and collaboration in advancing the WPS agenda.
Last on the list of topics to be discussed was the 2026 CPD-CAR Regional Conference on the Future Perspectives of Family Planning, presented by Mr. JohnFrey C. Cabalonga. Statistical reports and research findings concerning fertility trends, family planning, adolescent pregnancy, demographic changes, and socioeconomic development in the Cordillera Administrative Region were highlighted. Among the highlights were the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey findings, which showed a declining total fertility rate in CAR at 1.7 children per woman and a decrease in teenage pregnancy to 2.7%. Despite these developments, the continuing need to address unmet family planning needs, improve access to reproductive health information and services, and strengthen adolescent-friendly health programs was emphasized.
The CARE Circle also provided an avenue to discuss upcoming GSWC initiatives, institutional engagements, and community-based activities. These included the SA Growth Hub, Mental Health Awareness Month culminating activity, Human Resource Development Office seminar-workshop, and LUGUD activities involving psychoeducation, mental health consultation, and psycho-emotional sessions. Ms. Zaparita also emphasized the importance of prioritizing proactive follow-ups for students identified as high-risk to ensure timely and appropriate support.
Through initiatives such as the CARE Circle, the Guidance Services and Wellness Center reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion, and continuous professional development, strengthening its collective capacity to provide responsive, inclusive, and holistic support to the university community.
