21/09/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ-๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ข๐๐ง๐, ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ค
๐ท&๐ป: Jabez Laurencio; โ: Froihlyno Gonzales
The Iloilo Merchant Marine School (IMMS) through the Guidance Services Office led by Ms. Adrienne Cambas, RPM, RGC, strengthened its commitment to promoting the health and well-being of its students through an Oral Hygiene, Mental Health, and Su***de Prevention Awareness Talk held on September 18, 2026, at Robinsons Place Pavia.
The whole-day symposium brought together IMMS students for a meaningful day of learning, reflection, and awareness. The activity emphasized the importance of taking care of oneโs physical and mental health, particularly as students prepare for the unique challenges of life and work at sea.
The program opened with remarks from 2/M John Cyrus Baldeviso, Associate Dean of the College of Maritime Education, who reminded students that developing healthy habits should begin while they are still in school. โThat is why learning how to take care of your physical and mental health must start nowโnot when you are already onboard. Your oral health is part of your overall health. Your mental health is equally important. And when things become difficult, remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Speaking up is not weakness. And listening to a crewmate who is struggling can save a lifeโ, he shared.
Following the opening remarks, Romeo Magallanes Jr., DMD, led the Oral Hygiene Talk, providing students with practical knowledge on proper oral care and preventive practices. He emphasized that oral health extends beyond maintaining a healthy smile and plays an important role in a personโs overall well-being.
Dr. Magallanes also encouraged the students, fondly known as Mandaragats, to develop proper oral hygiene habits that they can maintain throughout their lives and carry with them as they pursue their future careers at sea.
The program continued with the Mental Health Booth Engagement, where students participated in activities designed to promote awareness, openness, and reflection on mental health. The engagement provided a supportive environment for students to recognize the importance of caring for their emotional well-being and being attentive to the needs of those around them.
In the afternoon, Ret. Police Major Dorothy Joy J. Bolivar, RPsy, served as the resource speaker for the Mental Health Awareness and Su***de Prevention Talk. She discussed the importance of maintaining good mental health and recognizing signs that may indicate a person needs support.
Mrs. Bolivar encouraged the students to openly acknowledge their experiences and reminded them that seeking help is an act of strength. She further emphasized the importance of mental health awareness among maritime students, who may eventually face demanding and challenging situations in their professional lives at sea.
The program concluded with the closing remarks of Ms. May Florence C. Tubal, MSM, OSA Officer, who expressed her appreciation to the resource speakers, organizers, and students for their participation and support. She encouraged everyone to carry the lessons and awareness gained from the activity into their daily lives, academic journey, and future careers.
The symposium served as a reminder that preparing future maritime professionals goes beyond academic and technical competencies. It also means equipping students with the knowledge, awareness, and values needed to care for themselves and support others.
Through initiatives such as this, Iloilo Merchant Marine School continues to uphold its commitment to developing responsible, resilient, and well-rounded maritime professionalsโready not only to navigate the seas, but also to take care of their health and the people they work alongside.
