APSA Psyche Publication

𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐖 𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐀𝐍 | 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗻?

Tuwing ika-12 ng Hunyo, ginugunita ng sambayanang Pilipino ang Araw ng Kalayaan—isang mahalagang yugto sa ating kasaysayan na sumisimbolo sa pagtatapos ng kolonyal na paghahari at sa pagdeklara ng kasarinlan ng bansa. Ito rin ay panahon ng pag-alala at pagpupugay sa mga bayaning nag-alay ng kanilang buhay upang makamit ang kalayaang tinatamasa natin ngayon.

Ngunit sa gitna ng mga hamon at suliraning kinakaharap ng bansa sa kasalukuyan, nananatiling mahalagang tanong: Hanggang saan ang ating kalayaan?

Maaaring nakalaya na tayo mula sa pananakop ng mga dayuhan, ngunit malaya na ba tayo mula sa katiwalian, pang-aabuso, at kawalan ng pananagutan? Kung hindi na banyagang kapangyarihan ang humahadlang sa ating pag-unlad, sino o ano nga ba ang mga tanikalang kailangan pa nating putulin?

Araw-araw, nasasaksihan natin sa balita ang iba't ibang isyung bumabalot sa bansa—mula sa mga problemang nararanasan sa mga lansangan hanggang sa mga usaping pinagdedebatehan sa mga bulwagan ng kapangyarihan. Sa halip na magsilbi bilang tagapaglingkod ng bayan, tila may mga pagkakataong nagiging larangan ng tunggalian at pansariling interes ang pamahalaan. At sa gitna ng larong ito, ang mamamayang Pilipino ang siyang nagiging taya at unang naaapektuhan sa bawat maling desisyon at pagkukulang ng mga nasa kapangyarihan.

Kaya hanggang ngayon, tila nakakahon pa rin tayong mga Pilipino—hindi lamang sa mga suliraning panlipunan at pampolitika, kundi pati sa kulturang matagal nang nakaugat sa ating lipunan. Madalas nating tanggapin bilang normal ang mga pagkukulang, manahimik sa harap ng mali, at maghintay na lamang na may ibang kikilos para sa pagbabago. Unti-unti, nagiging hadlang ito sa paghubog ng isang mamamayang mapanuri, mapanagot, at aktibong nakikilahok sa pag-unlad ng bayan.

Kung tunay nating nais parangalan ang diwa ng kalayaan, dapat nating patunayan na hindi tayo pasisiil—hindi sa pamamagitan ng pananahimik, kundi sa pamamagitan ng pagiging mulat, responsable, at matatag sa pagtatanggol sa kapakanan ng bansa.

Kaya sa darating na halalan, gamitin natin ang ating karapatang bumoto nang may katalinuhan at paninindigan, sapagkat ang bawat boto ay may kapangyarihang humubog sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan.

Sa paggunita ng Araw ng Kalayaan, nawa’y hindi lamang natin alalahanin ang kalayaang ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno, kundi pag-isipan din kung paano natin maisusulong ang isang lipunang tunay na malaya—malaya sa takot, pang-aapi, katiwalian, at anumang hadlang sa dignidad at kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino.

✍️: Althia Ventura
🖼️: Noel Joshua Abay

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝

It all started with a question: “Is this really the path I'm meant to take?"

Then, suddenly, you were standing outside your first class, holding a schedule you barely understood, staring at unfamiliar words and wondering what those “units” even meant.

You entered the wrong room, sat in the wrong class, and felt lost in a place that seemed to know itself better than you did.

But somewhere between awkward introductions and shared conversations, you found your people—a circle that turned strangers into companions and long days into memories.

With them, college became less confusing. You shared meals, deadlines, and sleepless nights spent chasing requirements that always seemed due tomorrow, and the days passed so quickly that you forgot what it felt like to be alone.

Yet as friendships grew, so did the challenges.

There were nights when sleep became a luxury, when thesis papers filled your screen and exhaustion filled your mind. There were group projects that tested your patience, moments when you carried more than your share, and quiet wishes for the semester to finally end.

Then, one morning, without warning, the ending arrived.

An email appeared. A simple message: you were graduating. And somehow, the years that felt endless became a memory in a single moment.

You once wished for this day to come sooner. But now, looking back, you realize why the days moved so fast. You were too busy living them—too busy laughing, learning, failing, growing; too busy becoming someone you could be proud of.

And without even noticing, you became the person you once looked up to: a collection of victories, mistakes, friendships, and lessons. A person shaped not only by grades earned, but by every challenge survived.

For graduation is not the end of the story; it is simply the page where one chapter closes and another begins. And though you may leave the classrooms behind, the lessons remain—carried quietly within you, long after the final bell, long after the final goodbye.

🖼️: Noel Joshua Abay

𝐏𝐒𝐘𝐂𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱

Last May 25, 2026, the APSA Tribute to Seniors went beyond marking the end of the college years of its graduates as it also recognized the theses that stood out among the best. Five theses were awarded during the event.

For first place, two theses were recognized: the study on the social representation of pagsagot among Filipino youth, specifically in Naga City, by Mendoza, Oriño, and Palacio, and Uy's autoethnographic exploration of self-access language learning.

The thesis of Mendoza, Oriño, and Palacio aims to amplify the voice of the youth. The researchers emphasized their hope that the study will be read by parents, helping them better understand the experiences and viewpoints of young people and fostering a sense of validation—highlighting that pagsagot, or open communication with one’s parents, especially when done respectfully and in support of meaningful concerns, is acceptable and important.

They also shared that their motivation for exploring the topic stemmed from their own experiences, both in childhood and during their years as college students. Additionally, they noted that the concept is frequently portrayed in media, which further inspired them to examine it more deeply.

Third place was awarded to Goyena, Pintor, and Valenciano for their study on maternal guilt among Filipino mothers. They realized that there is a lack of studies on gender-based constructs, particularly in the development of psychological scales. Furthermore, they found that maternal guilt has a significant impact on family dynamics and caregiving, which they believe can be helpful in fields of psychology such as counseling.

When asked about their motivation, Pintor shared, “They (mothers) give love, care, and basically the whole world,” underscoring their appreciation for mothers and their intention to dedicate the study to them.

Meanwhile, fourth place was given to Peñaredondo and Quillo, who studied older le***an couples in rural communities. The topic was rooted in their firsthand experiences, and they found that le***an women remain underrepresented and understudied. Peñaredondo ended her statement with the hope that their thesis would encourage more Filipino-centered and rural-centered studies.

The fifth place was awarded to Garcia, Gontang, and Sadia, who studied the job satisfaction of college educators in Ateneo de Naga University. They shared that the topic stemmed from curiosity, especially since ADNU is considered one of the best universities in Bicol. They wanted to understand what motivates educators to continue doing their job.

Beyond the recognition and awards, the stories behind these theses reveal what research can truly be. For these graduates, their studies were not simply academic requirements to complete before graduation. They were opportunities to understand lived experiences, address gaps in knowledge, and shed light on realities that deserve greater attention. Through their work, they leave behind not only research findings, but also stories, perspectives, and questions that may inspire future scholars to continue the conversation.

✍️: Althia Ventura
🖼️: Alexandra Agapito and Althia Ventura

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 | The Department of Psychology officially welcomes Mr. Richard Martin C. Bautista, M.A. as its new Chairperson, effective June 1, 2026, as announced in CHSS Memo 2026-2027 #001 issued by CHSS Dean Dr. Ma. Filipinas H. Bana.

Mr. Bautista succeeds Dr. Sarah B. Ellorenco, who served as Department Chairperson for eight (8) consecutive years. The college expressed its gratitude to Dr. Ellorenco for her dedicated leadership and significant contributions to the growth and development of the department.

As he assumes his new role, Mr. Bautista is expected to lead the department in advancing its commitment to academic excellence, service, and the university’s mission.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18nGb8xL5S/?mibextid=wwXIfr

𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 | 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲-𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵. 🌻

As we begin a new month, some of us may be wondering if we’re doing enough, achieving enough, or moving fast enough.

This is your reminder that you are.

Finishing the semester is already something to celebrate. Completing a test you never thought you’d survive is an achievement worth being proud of. Crossing even one task off your to-do list deserves recognition. And making time to rest is just as important.

Progress doesn't always have to look grand to be meaningful. Sometimes, simply showing up and continuing to move forward is enough.

As you welcome June, I hope you do so with the confidence that you are doing your best—and that your best is enough.

🖼️: Jeanrose Ballester

𝐏𝐒𝐘𝐂𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏, 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝟏 — 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝, 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Presented by APSA Psyche Publication, this is the official magazine for the Academic Year 2025 - 2026.

The cover of 𝙋𝙎𝙔𝘾𝙃𝙀 features the editorial cartoon from our article, 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥. Through imagery of disruption concealed beneath forced stability, the cover reflects a period marked by institutional shifts, social unrest, and pressing issues that extended beyond the department. Amid discussions surrounding flood control projects, corruption, and systemic concerns, students remained caught in a familiar reality—expected to continuously adjust, endure, and move forward.

This examines the experiences, narratives, and reflections that shaped the Psychology Department and its community. Through critical storytelling, commentary, and student perspectives, 𝙋𝙎𝙔𝘾𝙃𝙀 documents not only moments of change but also the conditions that demand resilience from those who navigate them.

As an inaugural issue, it stands as both a record and a conversation—amplifying voices, questioning realities, and preserving the stories that define our academic community.

Check out the link below to read the magazine:
https://bit.ly/4uGhrHT
https://bit.ly/4uGhrHT
https://bit.ly/4uGhrHT

𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈...

A year of stories. A year of questions. A year of challenges, victories, and realities that shaped the student experience.

Tomorrow, PSYCHE Magazine returns with a new issue that captures the moments, issues, and voices that defined the year. From pressing concerns within the department to events that echoed beyond the campus, this edition reflects a community navigating change, uncertainty, and growth.

Every page tells a story. Every story carries a voice.

The wait ends tomorrow.

𝐏𝐒𝐘𝐂𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲

With the theme “APSAcend: From Ascent of Learning to Summit of Becoming,” the Association of Psychology Students of Ateneo (APSA) honored its graduating students on May 25, 2026.

Spearheaded by 2nd Year Level Representative Dan Anthony S. Abalayan and 3rd Year Level Representative John Harry Imperial, the event was made possible through the efforts of incoming APSA officers and volunteers. The annual celebration recognized the Psychology seniors for their perseverance, resilience, and growth throughout their years in Ateneo.

The program opened with a heartfelt message from Psychology Department Chair Dr. Sarah Ellorenco, who spoke about the bittersweet nature of the occasion—acknowledging both the sadness of parting and the pride in seeing students ready to step into their professional paths shaped by their experiences, mentors, and education in the university. She concluded by wishing the graduates success in their future endeavors.

A Kumustahan session followed, allowing seniors to reconnect, share stories, and revisit memories from their college years. This was then followed by the recognition of Academic Distinction awardees and Best in Thesis recipients, highlighting the academic excellence of the batch.

One of the main highlights of the event was the Pinning and Awarding Ceremony, where graduates received commemorative pins engraved with their name, course, department, and the Ateneo de Naga University logo. Known as the “Pins of Pride and Purpose,” the tradition symbolized the completion of their academic journey and the transformation they underwent through years of dedication and hard work, serving as a lasting reminder of their responsibilities as future professionals.

Faculty members from the Psychology Department also delivered messages of encouragement and pride, sharing meaningful reminders as the seniors prepared to begin a new chapter beyond college life.

The celebration continued with a cake-cutting ceremony led by APSA President Eunice Fuentes and Incoming APSA President Andrea Escorel, symbolizing gratitude for the shared memories, friendships, and experiences of the graduating class. During dinner, a video presentation featuring congratulatory messages from the lower batches was shown, followed by a “Memory Lane” compilation of photos and moments from the seniors’ years in Ateneo.

To conclude the evening, the graduates participated in an activity where they wrote farewell messages to one another, expressing appreciation for the friendships and bonds they had built over the years.

As the program came to a close, the halls echoed with laughter, heartfelt goodbyes, and quiet reflections. Tribute to Seniors 2026 became more than a celebration of accomplishments—it honored the resilience, growth, and shared journey of the graduating Psychology students. Through years of challenges, friendships, and transformative experiences, the seniors not only reached milestones in their academic lives but also grew into individuals ready to embrace new beginnings with purpose and compassion.

📸: Arianne Cruz, Juan Miguel Bordado, Shawn Laurence Gatacelo, and Althia Ventura
✍️: Marielle Rubio