Cassadee D. Alivio and Marvin G. Quilaquil
Labogon National High School
A WAVE of emotional openness, awareness and empowerment swept through Labogon National High School (LNHS) as students deeply engaged with often unspoken topics — mental health, illegal drugs and youth involvement in peace and order.
More than 1,400 junior and senior high school students took part in a 3-in-1 symposium on July 22, 2025, at the LNHS gymnasium. The event was divided into two sessions to accommodate all participants.
The school partnered with the Barangay Labogon Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Mandaue City Police Office to present a series of talks aimed at educating and empowering the youth.
LNHS Principal Erlinda F. Cuyos said the symposium was aimed to normalize open discussions on mental health, inform students about the risks of drug use and inspire them to promote peace in their communities.
Claire V. Abadia, head of LGU Mandaue’s Women’s Welfare Division, led the first session on Mental Health Awareness. She emphasized the importance of communication when facing emotional or psychological challenges and assured students that help is always available from family, teachers, or local support offices.
“It’s okay to not be okay because you are not alone,” Abadia reminded students. “We are here to help and guide you.”
Next, Police Chief Master Sergeant Ronald Allan P. Kintanar of the Mandaue City Mobile Force Company addressed Anti-Illegal Drugs and Youth Engagement in Peace and Order.
He clarified the distinction between legal and illegal substances and warned about the dangers of drug misuse, particularly those not regulated by law such as cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.
Kintanar also urged students to stay away from riots, gang involvement, or any form of violence.
“Let’s choose peace and unity,” he said. “Your role as youth is to create fellowship and build a child-friendly, harmonious school community.”
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the speakers and a photo opportunity with LNHS staff, PTA officers and student representatives.
To ensure students have continued support, LNHS provided a list of mental health helplines:
SAMSO: 253-8428 / 0991-550-6839
Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 0939-936-5433 / 0939-937-5433 / 0926-626-4236
National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 1800-1888-1533 (Toll-Free) / 0917-899-8727 / 0908-639-2672
USC Kauban Psychological Center: 0906-858-5555
Through this initiative, LNHS continues to strengthen its commitment to student well-being, community safety and youth empowerment.