18/09/2026
𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐊𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐀 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 (𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧)
The afternoon session began with energy and movement as the KakamPeer Volunteers led the participants through an energizer and zumba. More than simply setting the mood, the activities created a space where everyone could loosen up, connect with one another, and become more present for the conversations that followed.
As the room settled, the discussion shifted toward the heart of peer support: understanding people. Ms. Vanessa Decierdo, MPsy, introduced psychology and its role in understanding how people think, feel, and behave. Through this discussion, participants were reminded that supporting someone begins with recognizing that every person carries different experiences, emotions, and ways of coping.
From understanding people to understanding how we can respond to them, Anelyn C. Carcillar, RPm, LPT, RGC, discussed basic counseling and helping skills that KakamPeers can use when communicating with their fellow students. The session highlighted how simple acts of listening, understanding, and responding with care can make someone feel heard and less alone.
But being there for someone also requires knowing ourselves. Carcillar emphasized the importance of being genuine, self-aware, and receptive when offering support. At the same time, she clearly reminded the participants of an important boundary: being a KakamPeer does not make them counselors, nor does it authorize them to conduct counseling. Their role is to listen, support, and help connect their peers to appropriate help when needed.
The participants then brought these lessons beyond discussion and into practice through role-play activities. They were given situations where a peer was opening up about a concern, allowing them to experience what it means to listen carefully, respond appropriately, and create a safe space for someone who may be struggling.
The learning continued through the KakamPeer Simulation, where participants encountered different situations involving discouragement, family problems, and the feeling of being lost. These scenarios gave them an opportunity to put their helping skills into action while recognizing that every concern requires patience, empathy, and an understanding of one’s own limits.
Adding meaning to the afternoon’s discussions, Dr. Ericson D. Batican delivered a solidarity message that underscored the value of simply listening and being present for others. His message served as a reminder that sometimes, support does not always begin with having the right words or the perfect solution. Sometimes, it begins with choosing to stay and let someone know that they do not have to face things alone.
The lessons and experiences throughout the session eventually led to one of the most meaningful parts of the implementation: the formal taking of the KakamPeer Promise. Led by the Project KakamPeer Heads Jash Obenza, Juleana Bentayao, and Nicole Prado, together with BCPS President Matias Mercado, the participants stood together and affirmed their commitment to becoming responsible peer supporters, carrying not only the name of a KakamPeer, but also the responsibility that comes with it.
The program concluded with the closing remarks of Ms. Juanilen Bugawisan, MAEd-GC, who reminded the participants of their responsibility to extend understanding, support, and compassion to their peers. Her message brought the day’s discussions back to what Project KakamPeer has always hoped to cultivate: a community where people look out for one another and where asking for help does not have to feel like facing the world alone.
With all the lessons, conversations, and experiences gathered throughout the day, may both the old and new KakamPeers continue to carry the promise they have made, not only in words, but in the way they choose to listen, understand, and show up for others. 𝙏𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨; 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙙; 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝.
And once again, “𝗔-𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗼! 𝗞𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗶!”
Photos by: Reth Asejo, Bleesy Pagacpac, Jazmine Bucay, and Eularey Feliciano
Caption by: Jazmine Bucay
