In this day and age, advocates from far and wide strive to establish and provide mental health services wherever possible. The community of Taloy Sur National High School, through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD), reached out to the University of the Cordilleras’ Guidance Services and Wellness Center (GSWC) as part of an initiative to help at-risk youths learn how to cope with their day-to-day struggles. The theme for the mental health talk was titled “Youth development and Peer Education Session” this was carried out through a discussion on mental health and life skills topics. On September 3, 2025, two (2) Guidance Associates from the GSWC, with the support of MSWD personnel, were able to reach out to 32 students identified as at-risk youths from Taloy Sur National High School. The resource speakers led the talks with 2 presentations respectively titled “Living and Breathing” that covered the importance of mental health and self-awareness, imparting sound information on how to cultivate and continuously improve both which was further supported by the one of activities done called levels of the self. The second presentation delivered titled “A-peer tayo, para di sumakit and ulo mo!: the power of peer education” which enthusiastically covered the value of peer education but also went over what important life-skills children their age should find important   The success of the mental health session was made possible through the collaborative efforts of all parties involved.

It is with great hope that these continued efforts will help provide a stronger foundation for mental health advocacy. As more challenges arise, we must learn to embrace diverse approaches and continue expanding our systems of support to effectively address mental health struggles. The issues may seem overwhelming, but coming together as a community has proven that no challenge is too small—or too great—when faced together.