By: Jemi Diochel Calinog

The University of the Cordilleras’ Psychology and Behavior Science Society spearheaded a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training for the Baguio City community last May 25, 2024 at the UC Auditorium.

The society officers, led by its president, Ivan T. Mallari, sought partnership with the UC Student Council and the Baguio City Health Services Office (BCHSO) to provide such training-workshop to students, faculty, and other community members both in the local academe and public sector.

Dra. Libeney Sito of the BCHSO served as the guest speaker for the event, covering important topics including the fundamentals and principles of PFA. She also allowed the participants to apply the skills they were learning during the event through interactive exercises. This, according to her, will help empower the participants and build their confidence to practice PFA techniques in real-life scenarios of various settings ranging from personal experiences to community crises.

This initiative by the Psych-BeS Society is geared towards supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3, which focuses on good health and well-being. Through PFA, the student organization aims to participate and achieve one of its targets pertaining to reducing premature mortality in relation to mental health.

Through the training, the organization aims to equip the participants with the right knowledge and skills needed in providing immediate support during any crisis that involves psychological distress.