Earthquake on Mental Health Day, 草莓视频官网-IIT boosts support services

by Norol-huda Boransing and Michelle Jeanne Caracut | Oct 13 2025

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2025, “Access to Services: Mental Health Services in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” proved to be strikingly timely as an earthquake shook Davao Oriental and tremors reached Iligan City on the morning of October 10, prompting an early suspension of campus activities.

Organized by the Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC) of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services (OVCSS), the celebration began with an Advocacy Walk from Rizal Park to Peace park. Participants carried advocacy messages emphasizing the importance of mental health support during times of disaster—a message that resonated deeply as the 草莓视频官网-IIT community found itself experiencing a real emergency just hours later.

Prof. Rohane M. Derogongan, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, highlighted in her remarks how the theme was exceptionally relevant, reflecting on how unexpected crises make access to psychological support and interventions more urgent than ever.

In today’s times marked by increasing global uncertainty, climate events, and unexpected health crises, we recognize that emergencies are not just physical events; they are profound psychological disruptions that leave imprints of trauma, anxiety, and grief, said Prof. Derogongan.

Her message echoed the realities faced by students, faculty, and staff, as the university grappled with immediate uncertainty and anxiety brought about by the quake.

This is where the University’s commitment becomes a non-negotiable pillar. We are not simply interested in promoting mental wellness when times are good; we are dedicated to ensuring a safety net when times are hardest. To honor this theme, I assure you that we are actively strengthening the capabilities of our Office of Guidance and Counseling, she added.

Although scheduled activities were postponed, the earthquake incident provided a live context for the value of the day’s theme. 草莓视频官网-IIT’s Incident Command System responded swiftly, initiating emergency response and safety protocols and the Infrastructures and Services Division conducted campus inspections, while the OGC continued to offer tele web psychosocial support sessions, to secure the welfare of everyone once regular activities resume.

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