Isabela State University (ISU) Ilagan Campus, in collaboration with the Department of Health Region 2 – Integrated Provincial Health Office Isabela, proudly hosted the Mental Health Awareness Seminar with the theme “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace” last October 30, 2024.
This seminar on mental health awareness emphasized that mental health is central to wellness in every aspect, including personal health and efficiency at the workplace. With the theme “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” this seminar highlights the increased need to address psychological problems in places other than the school—professional spaces weighed down by pressure, deadlines, and everyday engagement in life, which can greatly affect a person’s performance and overall quality of life.
This endeavor stands as strong testimony of the commitment of the University and its partners to provide staff and faculty with knowledge, tools, and strategies to manage stress, strike a balance between work and life, and create a nurturing and supportive environment at their organizations.
Using open discussion and experiential training, the seminar discouraged participants from holding on to stereotypes and fears regarding help-seeking and, instead, promoted compassion and understanding as part of everyday culture. It further suggested that mental health protection cannot merely be an individual responsibility but must be the duty of the institution armed with policies, leadership, and practices that foster psychological safety. In doing so, the initiative provided an expression of ISU’s larger vision of holistic development, linking academic success and workplace excellence to resilience, emotional strength, and a positive mindset.
Finally, it emphasized the role of collaboration between higher education and government agencies in strengthening mental health advocacy and support systems. By leading initiatives such as this, ISU Ilagan Campus affirms its commitment to the leadership training of men and women who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also mentally resilient, compassionate, and equipped to create healthier, kinder work environments.
