August 28, 2025โThe third day of the HEAL Program: Health, Empowerment, Awareness, and Life centered on strengthening the emotional resilience and health awareness of MPSU employees, held at Coffee and Lemon Cafรฉ, JBA Bldg., Samoki, Bontoc. With the participation of dedicated faculty and staff, the seminar provided both practical knowledge and a safe space for dialogue on mental health and HIV-related concerns.
In the message delivered by University President Dr. Edgar G. Cue, he acknowledged the often-overlooked sacrifices of educators and personnel. “At MPSU, we strive to be more than just a state university. We aim to be a safe, supportive, and inclusive space where faculty and staff are not only empowered intellectually but also emotionally and socially. A place where we donโt just teach; we care. We donโt just work; we support each other,” he emphasized.
Dr. Cue highlighted the universityโs commitment to creating wellness-centered programs like HEAL, which aim to promote holistic well-being among its employees.
Resource speaker Dr. Ricky B. Ducas emphasized the importance of Psychological First Aid (PFA) as a vital skill not only for health professionals but also for educators who often serve as the first line of support for students in distress. He shared strategies on how to listen with empathy, provide immediate comfort, and connect individuals to professional help when needed.
Meanwhile, Mr. John Raspado, HIV awareness advocate and also one of the resource speakers, shed light on the realities of living with HIV, dispelling misconceptions and promoting compassion and inclusivity. His discussion encouraged participants to become advocates of awareness, prevention, and support within and beyond the university.
After the conclusion of the seminar, Pres. Cue awarded certificates and tokens to the resource speakers at the Office of the University President. This was then followed by a short tour of the speakers at the universityโs Happiness Center, where they had a taste of the wellness amenities offered to promote positivity, comfort, and balance within the MPSU community.#
