BUTUAN is a city I will remember. Eleven years ago, I was requested during the capping ceremony of the Holy Child Colleges of Butuan to be the speaker in their nursing students’ capping ceremony.
There were also times that I needed to be in Butuan for teaching invitations. And I can travel alone; I don’t need an escort.
But then last month, I was invited by Dr. Rodulfo A. Esteves and Dr. Felomino A. Gargar to be a speaker at the incoming IOTA Phi National Conference to share about Mental health issues across ages and rehabilitation programs in counseling homes. I was overwhelmed and did not think twice, and I accepted the invitation because they were two of my best mentors that made me what I am today.
Let me discuss the IOTA Phi Conference last April 28 and 29, 2023. The conference objectives, I believe, were all met. Firstly, we were to broaden participants’ perspectives of psychological interventions for anxiety and depression on their own psychological, social, and spiritual being. Also is to instill in the participants the values of self-care and to enhance their confidence and resilience in dealing with stress, trauma, grief, and other unhealthy cognitive responses to personal losses and life-threatening events.
Moreover, it is to equip participants with skills in using a holistic approach to changing structural and attitudinal barriers to achieving mental health. And to open opportunities for counselors’ engagement, networking, and collaboration with fellow mental health professionals for personal and professional growth.
Imagine having the big chance to learn or re-learn all these in two days. And I am pleased to be one of the speakers at this once-in-a-lifetime workshop seminar.
I must say that the 9 hours travel by land was worth it because I came to listen to and meet personally brilliant speakers. I found the welcoming message of Dr. Luzviminda Guzman, chairman of the PRB Guidance and Counseling, very delightful, motivating guidance counselors and other mental health care providers to continue helping students of all ages navigate various challenges and experiences. And that they must continue to attend training and upgrade their education.
At the same time, Dr. Myrna Bantino of the Technological University of the Philippines shared about faith practices and mental health. Dr. Wilfredo II Francis F. Mina of the University of the Philippines-Manila presented combining natural remedies with conventional care. Dr. Mary Ann G. Valderama of the University of the Philippines-Diliman confidently shared about mastering emotional response to stress using mindfulness;
Dr. Evelyn Bagaporo of the Philippine Normal University and Dr. Rohanie Sultan discussed evidence-based approaches to managing grief-related cases. And Dr. Lucila Ortiz Bance of the University of Santo Tomas covers holistic interventions for anxiety and depression.
I also found the topic of Fr. Joselo C. Amalla is very relevant, about spirituality and wellness emphasizing that we need God in living a peaceful life. But among all the issues presented, I find it very grateful to know about acceptance and commitment therapy and counseling protocols on trauma, resilience, and healing as presented by Dr. Felomino Gargar, the President of IOTA Phi. And although I know about Philippine Mental Health (Republic Act 11036), it was good to know its implication for guidance and counseling from Professor Geno Matanada.
The last speaker is Dr. Carmelita A. Pabiton, a member of the PRB Guidance and Counseling; I
am genuinely amazed by her thoughts. Even with the serious topic of career progression and specialization program, she was so lively that no one would like to be distracted listening. Oh. I loved her eloquence and brilliance!
I believe in today’s stressful life, almost everyone sometimes feels tired. Not only are the parents or workers stressed, but even children are not exempt as they are also more stressed with the demands of school and home. So, with all the topics from the two days seminar with the theme ”Holistic Intervention for Anxiety and Depression,” I feel that all the attendees, including me as a speaker, have learned how to do holistic-based health promotion interventions, indeed an avenue to safe and supportive counseling or caring for both the neophyte and expert health professionals.
Ah... the seminar and my experience as one of the speakers are worthwhile! The aesthetic excitement before I left Davao City for Butuan, and then as I returned to Davao, I could not contain it; I still feel the joy. Indeed, IOTA Phi Counseling and Professional Honor Society Inc. is a bridge to ignorance that humanity seeks and can help the whole world to heal. Working with people who specialize in helping the broken heal is inspiring. And I must say that each of us has a unique part to play in healing a broken person, broken family, broken community, and a broken world.