19/08/2026
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DepEd Region VI
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DepEd Region VI Strengthens Mental Health Advocacy Through Advanced Therapeutic Communication Training
OTON, Iloilo, August 14, 2026 โ In line with the mandate of the Department of Education (DepEd) under Republic Act No. 11036, otherwise known as the Mental Health Act, and DepEd Order No. 049, s. 2022, titled Guidelines on the Implementation of the School Mental Health Program, the DepEd Regional Office VI through the Education Support Services Division (ESSD) - Regional Health and Nutrition Unit (RHNU), in collaboration with the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iloilo, successfully conducted the Capacity Building for Mental Health Advocates in Handling Learners and Personnel Through Therapeutic Communication: Part 2 โ Advanced Communication Strategies on August 12-14, 2026 at the Urban Glamp Resort, Caboloan Norte, Oton, Iloilo.
The three-day activity aimed to further enhance the competencies of school-based mental health advocates in effectively managing and supporting learners and personnel through advanced therapeutic communication techniques. The training reinforced participants' skills in active listening, crisis intervention, empathy-building, conflict resolution, and other evidence-based communication strategies crucial in promoting mental health and psychosocial well-being within the school community.
The activity gathered representatives from eight Schools Division Offices in Region VI, including Medical Officers III, School Mental Health Program (SMHP) Focal Persons, Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) Focal Persons, elementary and secondary school heads, as well as registered guidance counselors and school-guidance designates. The participants engaged in lectures, workshops, simulations, and collaborative learning sessions designed to strengthen school-based mental health support systems.
Leading the activity were officials from the DepEd Regional Office VI, namely Dr. Leonerico E. Barredo, Chief Education Supervisor of ESSD; Dr. Melchor Kim S. Kwan, Medical Officer IV; Dr. Frances Jade E. Caniban, Dentist III; and Rogin Emmanuel Biclar, Technical Assistant I-OKD.
The Schools Division Office of Iloilo was represented by Dr. Ruby Therese P. Almencion, CESO VI, Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, together with Arriane A. Lapidez, Nurse-in-Charge; Glenn Z. Sabido, Education Program Supervisor for Human Resource Development; and the SDO Iloilo nurses who served as members of the Technical Working Group.
Distinguished resource persons shared their expertise during the training, including Prof. Sheila P. Beliran of the College of Nursing, West Visayas State University (WVSU); Dr. Catherine Jane L. Eraldo, Medical Specialist II of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office; and Leonil T. Salvilla, Public Schools District Supervisor of the Schools Division of Iloilo. Their presentations provided valuable insights on advanced therapeutic communication approaches, mental health intervention strategies, and the creation of supportive school environments.
The learning sessions were further enriched through the guidance and facilitation of faculty members and professionals from the College of Nursing of West Visayas State University, namely, Prof. Junah C. Villanueva, Prof. Rudinia J. Dayot, Ms. Charisse Arianne P. Sombito, and Ms. Anna Mae A. Secherita.
Through this capacity-building initiative, DepEd Region VI reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening mental health promotion and psychosocial support services in schools. By equipping mental health advocates with advanced communication strategies, the Department continues to foster safe, caring, and resilient learning environments where both learners and personnel can thrive. See less