With the theme: “Collaborative Wellness: Advancing Mental Health Through Movement and Action Therapies”, Ateneo de Davao University’s College Wellness and Testing Center (CWTC) held its third Mental Health Festival since the pandemic, emphasizing the overall well-being of students physically, emotionally, and socially. 

In an interview with Atenews, CWTC Director Leah C. Reparado, RGC, shared the significance of this year’s event in advocating for Mental Health as one AdDU Community.

“As one AdDU community, we are advocating mental health because we want[ed] to promote the holistic well-being of each student and each individual here… If you have a sense of balance, [your] mental health is okay – everything will follow,” Reparado said.

Reparado also shared that in times of distress, students have various options and services at their disposal through the CWTC to enhance their well-being and manage their thoughts and emotions. 

“When we are distressed, we can utilise many ways available anytime to help us feel better and navigate our thoughts and feelings. So more so, we can build healthier habits plus relieve stress and improve concentration.”

Different clubs, organizations, and offices also set up booths during the festival, endorsing multiple recreational activities that aim to foster students’ mental health through action therapies.

The Department of Health (DOH) – Davao Region, one of the partner offices for the event,  distributed educational pamphlets regarding mental health care and available mental health services in the city.

DOH – Davao Region representative Christine Fernandez highlighted the importance of their office’s presence to promote local services available in the city, helping students stay connected with their mental health.

“We would like to advertise also the available services which our stakeholders do have… With events like this, it helps us to promote mental health awareness not just in the workspaces but also here in school specifically with the students. Since we want the students to be more in touch with their mental health in these current times,” Fernandez said.

In line with the week-long celebration, the CWTC also conducted an event called ‘Navigating with the Generation Z’ for faculty and staff on October 7, followed by ‘Light Talk, Life Walk Thursday’ with DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM Davao featuring the Ateneo Voices on October 10, and another talk titled, ‘How to deal with Burnout for Students’ on October 11.