DMMMSU and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joined forces to support mental health initiatives during Mental Health Month last October 2023. The collaboration which focuses on the “PROJECT BRHO” (Boosting Responsibility through Holistic Opportunities) is an extension project, led by the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program of the College of Arts and Sciences at the South La Union Campus. The project aims to provide psychosocial support to DSWD’s Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) staff and clients in Urayong, Bauang, La Union.

The series of training sessions designed under PROJECT BRHO took place throughout October. On October 17, 2023, Professor Zenaida DC. Pascua led a session titled “Share Mo Lang: The Power of Self-Expression to Mental Health” focusing on self-expression techniques for RRCY residents. This was followed by a workshop on October 23, 2023, titled “Ikaw Naman Muna: Self-care and Mental Wellness,” conducted by Prof. Delia M. Imperial, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Concluding the series, Ms. Yezza E. Sindayen delivered a lecture named “Usap Isip: Lecture on Handling Clients with Aggressive Behavior” on October 25, 2023, aimed at equipping the RRCY staff with skills to manage aggressive behaviors.

The training sessions focused on self-expression, self-care, and managing aggressive behavior, aimed to create a healthier and more nurturing environment for both staff and clients. (By Yezza E. Sindayen)