In line with this year’s World Mental Health Month and the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life's (OVPLMSL) Celebration of the Benilde Mission Week 2020, the week-long festival prepared virtual activities and webinars for the benefit and support for Benildean students and associates alike. The festival concluded with a Closing Ceremony yesterday, Oct. 30, via Facebook live. 

Vice President of Lasallian Mission and Student Life Mr. Neil Pariñas officially opened the ceremony with an inspirational message about mental well-being and spiritual health, relating these to keeping a relationship with God. According to Mr. Pariñas, our struggle with imperfections and mistakes can lead to anxiety and unwellness, however, with God, living with fullness of life is entirely possible. 

“Remember that we can simplify things around us in this pandemic in two ways: there are things within our control and there are things beyond our control. Let us control things which are in the realm of our control, and those that are not--that’s where prayer comes in,” he advised.

He ended his message saying that the Benildean identity is also “defined by spirituality,” and that those things beyond control will eventually become perfect in God’s own time. 

Afterwards, Br. Armin Luistro, Brother Provincial of the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) and first resource speaker of the ceremony, spoke about the connection between Lasallian spirituality and mental health. 

In his talk, he highlighted the relationships between students and teachers by recalling the story of Saint John Baptiste De La Salle and his ministry as an educator for the youth, particularly on how Saint La Salle’s first students were able to “touch his heart.”

“It is only when we walk together, that we learn. It’s only when I walk together and accompany my student that I can bring him or her to understand other things. If I am able to unconditionally accept my students and whatever his or her condition is, at this stage of his or her life, then teaching and learning can truly happen,” he expressed.

“It’s not just about teaching minds, but also about touching hearts, and eventually, transforming lives,” he ended. 

The second resource speaker was Bianca “Bee” Esteban, an  ID 118 School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) student-leader and President of Kaagapay Volunteers Group (KVG) shared her experience as a student-leader and volunteer. Other than presenting advice on how to keep a healthy self-esteem, she also encouraged the community to not only take care of each other, but also of themselves. 

“Remember to take care of yourselves, because the most important thing is your mental health and holistic well-being,” she stated.

The third resource speaker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of #MentalHealthPH Mr. Roy Dahildahil spoke about his organization’s advocacy of promoting and protecting mental health through social media and digital technology.

According to Mr. Dahildahil, one of the organization’s primary objectives is to #EndTheStigma through a series of webinars, talks, and social media conversations that engage the community. #MentalHealthPH also provides a directory of mental health facilities to help improve access to mental health education and counseling in the country.

“We have to normalize the fact that it’s okay to seek help. [...] We have to remove the unhealthy norms and culture [about mental health] in society,” Mr. Dahildahil asserted. 

The last to share his expertise was Dr. Jose Alberto “Doc Joal” Reyes, a registered psychologist and professor at De La Salle University Manila, who spoke about managing one’s psychological well-being amidst the pandemic. 

Dr. Reyes shared the following important tips on how to foster and encourage good mental health: 

• Normalize feelings of anxiety and stress, however, but not to the point of over catastrophizing things. Be realistic and monitor your thoughts. 
• Do not hesitate to reach out to friends in fear of being a burden to them. A good support system is helpful in ensuring a sound psychological well-being.
• Adopting a daily routine or structure to your life is essential. Doing things that are meaningful and enjoyable to you is a good way to keep sane. 
• Take care of your physical health. A healthy body and lifestyle promotes a healthy mind. 
• Be wary about thoughts of hopelessness. Try to trace where these thoughts are coming from, and challenge them. 

Furthermore, BWC Director Mr. El Anelio “Neil” Barnachea delivered a synthesis on the various points that were shared throughout the ceremony. Additionally, he gave his own words of advice to the Benildean community regarding their preparedness to cope with the challenges of COVID-19.

“With the pandemic, it is different and unprecedented. No certainty that it will leave us quickly, we are called to be safe and healthy. Have we taken the time to prepare ourselves, physically, mentally, emotionally?”, he questioned. 

“We all need to act, collaborate, and work together. We have the capability and responsibility to advocate for everyone’s mental health and take care of our own,” he urged. 

The Well-Being Festival arranged several events over the course of the past week, which included Self-Care for Couples in the New Normal, The Self-Care Kit Challenge, Mindful Minute: Pause, Breathe, Rewire, Deafhood and Well Being: Nurturing the Deaf Self, and Mindfulness for Benildean Associates. These events were available to both Benilde Manila and Antipolo students and associates.

The Closing Ceremony, originally the Opening Ceremony, was moved to yesterday due to the announcement of class suspension last Oct. 26. 

BWC, under the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, caters to the psychological and emotional needs and well-being of the Benildean community through counseling services and events such as the Well-Being Festival held every Academic Year.

For further concerns or inquiries, BWC can be reached via Benilde mail, bwc@benilde.edu.ph, or on their Facebook page.