A semi-annual publication of the Student Wellness Center
Let’s Talk Zero: Zero Worries, 100% Confidence…
(A School-to-Work Transition Seminar for Batch 2013)
The Career Services Committee of the Student Wellness Center,
in cooperation with Oracare Product Line of Pascual Laboratories,
held its School-to-Work Transition Seminar Series for Batch 20122013 graduates with the theme “Let’s Talk Zero: Zero Worries, 100%
Confidence.”
The series of seminar were conducted on November 27-29 and
December 03-04, 2012 at the Severino De Las Alas Hall Auditorium
for CBAA, CEAT, CCJE, CSCS, COEd, CLAC and CTHM,
respectively. Its objectives were to impart to the participants
Lasallian values in the workplace; for them to discover different
areas for professional growth in their chosen field and to realize the
actual demands of employment by exploring different sectors for
professional manpower.
One of the highlights of the activity was the presence of Ms. Teen
Earth 2010, Kris Psyche Resus, who gave an interactive session on
career and confidence. She gave pointers in entering the professional
world especially on job hunting, and in preparing for a job interview.
She also demonstrated a mock interview, provided tips in developing
a career and in styling one's corporate fashion.
On the other hand, other resource speakers were Dr. Mary Grace
Leongson, Ma. Crisca Manuel, Reimon Gene Therence Doblon, and
Dr. Jose Antonio Amistad. The following were some of the reactions
of the participants to the said activity: “a comprehensive lecture
workshop on how to obtain valuable information about transitional
adjustment from school to the world of work, how to discover
different areas for professional growth in their chosen field and
on how to aid graduating students in meeting the expectations of
today’s employers.
Moreover, Dr. Aldrin Calanog, dentist of Ora Care Product Line,
discussed how to develop confidence with a Smart Oral Hygiene.
. . . see page 2 . . .
Top: Dr. Evangeline Ruga and Dr. Joy-Alvi Arañas explaining
on dance as a tool for achieving growth; Below: the participants
counting their steps for their group presentation.
Top-L: Participants taking part in the warm-up activity during the SWTS;
Top-R: the emcees at the CEAT session; Below-R: Reimon Doblon shares tips
to CEAT graduating students; Below-L: graduating students listening to the
Youth-at-risk dance for self and group
Fifty youth-at-risk participated in the Student Wellness Center
Outreach Activity titled, “Dancing Your Worries Away: Dance
and Expressive Movement Workshop for the Youth at Risk.” Held
at the Pangarap Foundation, Inc. in Paliparan Site last March 5,
2013, the workshop aimed to develop self-awareness, improve
self-image and self-concept of the participants. Also, for them
to explore their creativity and connect with their emotions; to
achieve positive psychological and emotional growth, and to learn
appropriate social skills as they experience feeling of relaxation
and well-being in the process.
After being given the necessary warm up, the participants were
allowed to experience improvising movements and steps in dyads
as part of initial self-exploration. They were also introduced to
a more structured dance with their chosen partners still as part of
the exploration process. They were later led to creating collective
movements a succession of group dances that they were asked to
do. These group dancing aimed to look into dynamics in the groups
and to foster greater camaraderie among them.
Appropriate processing questions were asked to the participants
after each of the sub-activities. They were also asked to respond
to the over-all integrative questions to close the whole workshop.
The activity was facilitated by Drs. Evangeline C. Ruga and Joy
Alvi Arañas with the assistance of counselors Red Ilas, Michelle
Garingo, Dr. Maria Lita Arquion, Glessie Cantada, SWC Director
Dettie Panganiban and SWC secretary Lucy Sambajon; peer
counselors Jason Guevarra and Bryan Bug-os. It was made possible
through the coordination of the Lasallian Community Development
Martin speaks in national
and international confabs
What's Up?!
CSC Orientation for Transferees AY 2012-2013
The Career Services Committee (CSC) conducted
orientation for first semester transferees from different
colleges on June 08, 2012 at the Alumni Multi Purpose Hall.
A second orientation was held on Nov. 14, 2012 at the POLCA
for second semester transferees.
The College of Education (COE) Dean, Dr. Joel Espedido,
and associate deans from the different colleges were present
during the orientation to explain their respective college’s
policies. The attendees also had the chance to ask salient
questions from representatives of key offices like the Office
of the Registrar, Accounting Office and Student Welfare and
Formation Office (SWAFO).
The CSC held the orientation to enlighten the transferees
about the school policies especially concerning online preregistration, enrollment guide, subjects accreditation, offices
around the campus, and other information and opportunities
that may be relevant to their stay at the DLSU-D. Moreover,
participants were oriented on the right kind of habits and
attitudes to make the most of their stay in the university.
(JG De Guia)
Jump Start Program The Career Services Committee’s Jumpstart Program
kicked off its 2nd year this Academic Year 2012-2013. Guided
by the learner-centered framework of Lasallian Education, the
program conducted Introductory Learning Activities which
included Intensive In-take Interview for Freshmen enrolled
in programs with board examinations; goal-setting sessions;
and maintaining close-partnership with concerned academic
departments. Enabling activity covered self-management
talks and small-group sessions for those upper-class students
retained in said programs. The culminating activity includes
Mock Board Exam Coaching and Board Exam Readiness
Exercises for the students who will be graduating from the
said program in 3-4 year time.
CSCS, CCJE, COEd, CBAA, CLAC and CEAT Administrators attending
the CSC orientation
SWC Counselors hold spiritual
growth workshop
In response to the 5th item of Br. Gus Boquer's 14 point
Agenda which stresses on producing high caliber faculty
through continuous faculty formation and deepening of the
Lasallian values and mission, the Student Wellness Center
(SWC) held its Spiritual Growth Session with the theme: “
Fill my Cup, Transform Our Hearts" last October 12, 2012.
With no less than the Planning Director Mr. Jose Ritche
Bongcaron as facilitator, the workshop gave the counselors
the opportunity to renew the spirit and enthusiasm in
performing their roles and responsibilities in the community.
Mr. Bongcaron emphasized the role of counselors in the
university that is supposed to anchor on the spirit of Lasallian
community, association and solidarity and which is focused
on providing counseling and other services that look after
the wellness of the students. The creative activities and the
sharing of insights also highlighted SWC personnel’s zeal
for passion, care, concern, diligence, among others, in their
delivery of wellness services all with the aim of being one
with the university in teaching minds, touching hearts, and
transforming lives.
Being a young program, Jumpstart still has a lot of finetuning to do especially that this program is being run by five
career counselors alongside other CSC-initiated programs
namely the School-to-Work Transition Seminars, the
Transferees Orientation, Career Information Service, Career
Shifting Guidance, Tutorial Program, and Career Intervention
. . . from page 1 Let's talk Zero . . .
He shared tips for a smarter oral hygiene which he said is also
crucial to successful job hunting.
SWTS 2012 was spearheaded by Dr. Jing De Guia and Career
Services Committee members, namely, Dr. Joy-Alvi Arañas, Dr.
Tess Burgos, Mr. Elmer Jimenez and Dr. Ann Martin. (JG De Guia)
L-Planning Director, Ritche Bongcaron receives his certificate
of appreciation from SWC Director Ms. Dettie Panganiban
Dr. Martin stressing on the impact of internet technology
in counseling practice.
Student Wellness Center (SWC) Counselor, Ann Margaret T.
Martin, PhD, RGC, was one of the three guest lecturers in the
6th International Convention on Psychological Communication
(ICCS) held on March 4, 2012 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater,
Ateneo de Manila University. The said convention was
participated by Psychology students and faculty members of
DLSU-D and 54 other universities.
Dr. Martin lectured on the “Ethical Use of Technology in the
Counseling Practice.” Co-lecturing with her were Dr. Andrew
Campbell from the University of Sydney who touched on
“Internet Addiction, Serious Games and Mobile Computing for
Mental Health,” and Stanford University’s Dr. Walter Greenleaf
who talked on “Next-Generation Tools for Clinical Psychology
Arañas presents paper; talks at fora
Dr. Joy-Alvi R. Arañas presented his research paper on
“Difficulties Experienced by Counselor in a State of Midlife Crisis:
A Basis for a Proposed Intervention Program” at the Integrated
Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines’s (IPCAP’s)
5th Annual Convention held on February 8-10, 2012 in University
of Baguio, Baguio City.
Dr. Arañas also shared his knowledge to different schools in
Cavite. In particular, he facilitated a symposium on “Boosting Self
Confidence” at Rogationist College, Silang Cavite held on January
13, 2012, which focused on enhancing the talents and potentials of
third year college students by means of building their self confidence.
Meanwhile, he talked on “Psychology and Education” at Elizabeth
Seton School-South on July 25, 2012 as part of the school’s Annual
Career Orientation program themed “Choices into Action.” The talk
oriented the graduating students in different areas of specialization
emphasizing on career opportunities and professional growth in
the field of Psychology.
What's Up?!
and Behavioral Medicine, Virtual Environments, Web-Based
Programs, and Wellness Applications.” Also taking active part in
the conference was DLSU-D’s Behavioral Sciences Department
Chair, Prof. Silfa Napico, who discussed on the overview of the
convention themed, “Cyber Psychology: Emerging Technologies
and the Society.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Martin facilitated a workshop on “Counseling
Clients with Internet Addiction,” during the Annual National
Conference and Seminar Workshops of Iota Phi, the UP
Diliman chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (International Counseling
Academic and Professional Honor Society) hosted by Central
Colleges of the Philippines in Quezon City from May 2 to 4,
2012. The 4-hour workshop exposed the participant-counselors
to scientific studies that looked into the epidemiology, diagnosis
and treatment of Internet Addiction. Participants were facilitated
to evaluate a proposed diagnostic criteria for Internet Addiction
vis-à-vis the participants’ personal encounters with such clients.
They were also introduced to Young’s (2011) CBT-IA framework
of “treating” Internet Addiction.
Counselors facilitate stress management workshop
Student Wellness Center (SWC) counselors, Dr. Ma. Lita Arquion
and Cynthia N. Camarce facilitated the Stress Management Seminar
spearheaded by the College of Education (COE) Graduate Student
Council on Aug. 11, 2012. The seminar aimed to equip the graduate
students with different techniques in handling daily stressors in life
dubbed as the ‘silen killer.’
During the workshop, Arquion and Camarce assisted the
participating graduate students in reducing, if not totally controling,
their stresses. They specifically demonstrated to participants the
series of stress management and relaxation exercises in a form
of light massage, dancing, yoga, and breathing techniques. They
also introduced the use of positive self affirmation which can be a
powerful boost for weakening spirits. Lastly, Dr. Arquion let the
participants experienced hypnotherapy a specialized technique which
she developed in her dissertation.
In another activity on Nov. 21, 2012; Dr. Arquion demonstrated
her hypnotherapy with the members of the University Peer Counselors
Group as part of the latter’s continuing LIYAB growth sessions.
The activity titled “Overcoming Anxiety Using Hypnotherapy” was
organized by UPCG president Jonathan Martinez. It aimed at helping
the participants reduce their academic-related anxieties through the
use of anxiety assessment, mental imagery, and hypnotherapy with
relaxation.
Meanwhile, Arquion was invited to facilitate another stress
. . . see page 7 . . .
On the other hand, Dr. Arañas also shared his time with Unida
Christian Colleges in Imus Cavite where he spoke at the “AntiBullying Seminar” for high school students last August 6 , 2012 as
part of the school’s campaign against school bullying. He then gave
a seminar to parents on school bullying entitled “Bullying: Is your
child a victim?” also held at Unida Christian Colleges on September
7, 2012. This aimed to increase the parents’ awareness on persistent
cases of bullying in school, and to provide insights on how parents
can help their children defend themselves from bullying. Finally,
Dr. Arañas facilitated a Career Orientation Seminar for 3rd and 4th
year Students at Infant Jesus Academy Inc. in Silang, Cavite last
October 23 and 24, 2012.
R-Dr. Joy-Alvi Arañas receives his token of appreciation from UNIDA Christian
Out of the Cubes
The Director's Spot
Resiliency as both a duty and a sign of competence
of helping professionals
Helping professionals like the Guidance Counselors
in the school setting plays a major role in facilitating
college life adjustments. As part of a multidisciplinary
team in the university, they conceptualize programs and
activities intended to make the college life experiences
of students worthwhile. DLSU-Dasmariñas Student
Wellness Center (SWC), believing in the value of
holistic development among students, painstakingly
comes up with concrete programs as its share in the
mission to form competent, socially conscious,
responsible and compassionate citizens for God and
country. In particular, its personnel composed of
counselors and psychologists adequately design varied
preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions
to respond to the need of shaping fulfilled Lasallian
individuals. A task that cannot be taken for granted, in
any way.
During the delivery of the various programs and
services, SWC helping professionals experience
different challenges like those inherent in conducting
intake interviews, counseling and psychotherapeutic
sessions, and career intervention programs. It takes
much time for them to design and implement activities,
to listen to the individual clients, more so in identifying
solutions to problems and issues presented by students.
For one, the school year 2011-2012 proved both
challenging and inspiring (and most likely, stressful)
to the SWC team. They engaged 542 cases originating
from walk-ins, referrals and those sought by the
counselors themselves for individual interviews. These
groups of students came from different colleges and
year levels and most of them presented concerns falling
under the relational concern category. More concretely,
they have issues with family members and peers. They
told different stories, experiences and coping strategies
during the sessions that were not just one-shot deals. All
these, the SWC personnel tried to respond to the best as
they could.
Without the intention to appear complaining, let
me share how, in the process of responding to student
needs, guidance counselors and psychologists, being
mere human beings, could not help but also feel tired,
or find themselves in stressful conditions at times. They
are also vulnerable to sense of uncertainty especially
amidst life changing situations . Yet, being professionals,
they can not allow themselves to give in to mediocre
service delivery just because they have problems, too.
Thus, in order to become more proficient in bringing out
the best in Lasallian students, the guidance counselors
and psychologists, like the rest of those in the helping
profession, need to be resilient. They are expected to have
honed their personal and professional competencies and
skills to be able to work effectively on their students’
dilemmas— an indication of their own resiliency.
There are different strategies available to helping
professionals if only to take care of their personhood
and their emotional and psychological wellness.
Some of these are: (1) keeping themselves active
by joining national and international professional
organizations; (2) attending seminars/workshop/
conventions; (3) making themselves available as resource
persons, facilitators, moderators and consultants to
any counselors’ professional endeavors; (4) engaging
in wellness activities such as jogging, aerobics, dance
therapy, yoga sessions, among others; (5) socializing
and talking with other colleagues; (6) and doing research
work actively. All of these, if done regularly and
seriously, could definitely make a guidance counselor
or a psychologist a resilient helping professional. And
if I may say so, maintaining one’s resiliency is both a
Editorial Committee
Demetria B. Panganiban
Chair
Members
Maria Lita J. Arquion, PhD
Arlene P. Bernardo
Emmylou B. Gamueda
Jenneth G. De Guia, PhD
Anna Michelle S. Garingo
Pura G. Peñamante
Evangeline C. Ruga, PhD
Lucy Anceta-Sambajon
Technical Support
Betty E. Puzon, PhD
Technical Consultant
The Impact of Anxiety on Academic
Anxiety is experienced by people from all walks of life as
a normal reaction to everyday life and stress. People cannot
avoid anxiety as it is any change that they must adjust to.
Anxiety can often be so intense or attached to inappropriate
events or situations that it becomes maladaptive and
problematic for the individual. The argument has become
quite compelling that increased anxiety negatively impacts
performance within many domains of functioning that include
mathematical ability, academic tests, working memory tasks
, reading comprehension, social interactions prospective
memory tasks, sporting behaviors, neuropsychological tests
and musical performance.
The term “test anxiety” as a scientific construct, is a
set of phenomenological, physiological, and behavioral
responses about possible negative consequences or failure
in an examination or similar evaluative situation (Lang, 1968).
Test- anxious students are characterized by a particularly low
response threshold for anxiety in evaluative situations, tending
to view evaluative situations, in general, and test situations, in
particular, as personally threatening. As a result, they tend to
react with threat perceptions, reduced feelings of self-efficacy,
self-derogatory cognitions, anticipatory failure attributions,
and more intense emotional reactions and arousal at the very
first hint of failure.
Moreover, individuals who experienced test anxiety
from the cognitive perspective are worriers who lack selfconfidence. They may be preoccupied with negative thoughts,
doubting their academic ability and intellectual competence
and are more likely to overemphasize the potential negative
results and feel helpless when they are in testing situations.
From the affective perspective, test anxiety causes some
individuals to experience physiological reactions such as
increased heart rate, feeling nauseated, frequent urination,
increased perspiration, cold hands, dry mouth, and muscle
spasms. These reactions may be present before, during,
and even after the test is completed. In conjunction with
the physiological reactions, emotions such as worry, fear of
failure, and panic may be present. When they are not able to
control their emotions, they may experience higher levels of
stress, thereby making it more difficult for them to concentrate.
Test-anxious individuals also express anxiety behaviorally by
procrastinating and having inefficient study and test-taking
skills. These individuals have more difficult time interpreting
information and organizing it into larger patterns of meaning. It
is in this reference that the writer decided to find a valuable tool
to respond to the needs of these test-anxious students using
a multi-modal intervention called the Modified-Systematic
Desensitization Program (MSDP).
Meichenbaum and Butler’s (1980) theory on test anxiety
was chosen as the theoretical framework of the present study
since it encompasses all the facets of test anxiety relative to
the variables of the study. TA is presumed to have debilitative
effects on the student’s academic performance. Meichenbaum
and Butler’s theory is an important cognitive-behavioral
psychological construct in: 1) identifying the components and
consequences of test anxiety and 2) in helping develop an
effective therapeutic intervention for reducing or eliminating
R-Dr. Arquion elucidates on her MSDP to participating students (L)
its adverse effects. The cognitive-behavioral approach was
mostly fitting to the students’ needs because its cognitive
component would help the students change their thinking
patterns that keep them from overcoming their fears.
Likewise, the behavioral component sought to change the
students’ reactions to anxiety provoking situations.
Meanwhile, this study investigated the effectiveness
of Modified Systematic Desensitization Program (MSDP)
in reducing test anxiety and enhancing Accounting
achievement. MSDP, a multi-modal intervention employed
Psychoeducation which teaches participants’ the effects
of test anxiety (TA), monitor its severity and handle it
effectively; Relaxation-helps in eliminating TA through deep
breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and guided imagery;
Cognitive Restructuring - helps restructure the negative
experience and process the event in a different, healthier
way; Systematic Desensitization-teaches participants to
relax in their target situation by pairing anxious behaviour
with relaxation exercises; and Relapse Prevention- requires
the participants to be ready with a plan to manage symptoms
through planning and right attitude.
Results of the investigation are provocative in that they
suggest testing anxiety has a substantial negative impact on
the academic performance of these students. Although this
finding generally is consistent with prior studies that have
highlighted the negative effect of anxiety on test performance,
several important empirical advances were achieved in
conducting this investigation. First, test gains correlated
positively to anxiety reduction benefits and an increase in
academic achievement. Results suggested that MSDP does
improve academic performance and it helps stabilized blood
pressure and pulse rate for struggling students with high,
moderate and low test anxiety. MSDP is recommended as a
diagnostic indicator in applying pedagogical, administrative
and psychological remedial strategies for test-anxious
students.
Note: This article is a synopsis of the writer’s research
study conducted as part of her dissertation requirement in
What's Up?!
FROSH KA BA? SAKTO!
2nd SWC CALABARZON seminar highlights
Mental health professionals observe
WORLD (SUPRE) Suicide Prevention
The Natasha Gouldbourn Foundation (NGF), through the
International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) and
the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) spearheaded the
observance of World Suicide Prevention (SUPRE) Day at De
La Salle Lipa with the theme “Suicide Prevention Across the
Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope”
last September 10, 2012.
To enhance knowledge and skills in dealing with suicide
cases on campus, the Student Wellness Center (SWC)
counselors, Dr. Ma. Lita Arquion, Dr. Anne Margaret Martin,
Dr. Jenneth De Guia, Cynthia Camarce, Siegfred Gamueda,
Emmylou Gamueda, Marianne Cudiamat and Michelle
Garingo joined the said activity. The event highlighted the
lecture-forum on “Bullying and depression among secondary
school students” facilitated by Dr. Jerry Jurisprudencia,
practicing psychologist and faculty from Miriam College and
Ateneo De Manila University and Medical City’s Dr. Jannel
Cleto and Dr. Ronaldo Elepano who discussed on “Love and
Relationship.” It also showed a documentary video of Ms.
Cheche Lazaro about surviving family members of suicide
cases, while it had TJ Manotoc giving testimonial questions
and answers on the topic. Meanwhile, Natasha Goulborn
Foundation (NGF) President Jean Goulborn also inspired
the audience by sharing her personal insights from her own
experiences as a mother to a daughter who succumbed to
depression and suicide.
Top & Bottom: Parents and freshmen at the registration area before the start of the program
As practiced, the Office of the Student Services
through the Student Wellness Center, in cooperation
with the College Student Councils (CSCs), conducted
the annual orientation program for freshmen with the
theme: FRESHMAN ORIENTATION 2012: FROSH KA
BA? SAKTO! (Freshmen Orientation and Socialization
Hour). It was specifically scheduled on May 26 (CEAT,
am; and CIHM, pm), June 1 (CLA, am; and CBA, pm),
and June 2 (COS, am; CCJE, am; and COE, pm) and
The activity was facilitated by guidance counselors of De held at the Ugnayang Lasalle (for big colleges) and
La Salle-Lipa and was actively participated in by secondary Alumni Auditorium (for small colleges).
school students from various schools of Batangas. Likewise,
the event ended with Lipa City Mayor Meynardo Sabili,
DepEd Sec. Br. Armin Luistro, other local government
L-R: SWC delegates to the World Suicide Prevention Day at DLS-Lipa: Emmylou
Gamueda, Dr. Ann Martin, Dr. Maria Lita Arquion, SWC Director Ms. Dettie
Panganiban, Dr. Jenneth De Guia, Michelle Garingo, Marianne Cudiamat and
Siegfred Gamueda posed with a personnel from the host school
What's Up?!
The program was conducted to acquaint the incoming
freshmen with basic university information such as
policies, guidelines, services, administrators and school
personnel. This program also aimed to provide them a
venue for their initial interaction with fellow Lasallian
students and to facilitate initial understanding of the
essence of Lasallian education.
This year’s orientation program was uniquely designed
to accommodate freshman students and their parents/
guardians in one sitting. First part of the program centered
on the institutional orientation showing welcoming
messages from university’s top administrators. It also
included basic reminders and guidelines from key offices
like the Office of the Registrar, Accounting Office and
the Student Welfare and Formation Office (SWAFO) and
short presentations of the different OSS units including
the SWC. POLCA also presented its ongoing programs
for its member parents. Meanwhile, second part of
the program was the Collegiate Orientation which was
Due to the success of the first Cavite-wide seminar in
2009-2010, and also as part of its planned activities, the
Student Wellness Center once again organized a seminar
for helping professionals in the CALABARZON region in
February 2012 at Don Severino De Las Alas Hall Auditorium.
With the theme “Rekindling the Energy Within: Fostering
Resiliency through an Integrative Approach” it featured
two renowned experts in the field. One was Dr. Violeta
Villaroman-Baustista or “Doc Bolet” to her clients and
interns, a sought after life coach family, couples, child, teen
psychotherapist, workplace counselor, addictions and trauma
counselor, court expert witness, community psychologist,
facilitator and trainer. The second speaker was Dr. Alfonso
Lagaya, a Filipino physician, duly registered and licensed
by the Philippine Professional Regulatory Commission, a
Certified Medical Acupuncturist under the Philippine Institute
of Traditional & Alternative Health Care, Department of
Health.
During the seminar, Doc Bolet talked about her first
encounter with the resilience principle when she was taking
her comprehensive exam and when she was later handling a
client with borderline personality. She discussed resiliency’s
basic frameworks and concepts, on the paradigms in
helping people, the history of resiliency, and its significance
in counseling and therapy. On the other hand, Dr. Lagaya
touched on the conscious healing energies for rejuvenation,
intelligence and sexual health. He demonstrated and taught
simple energizing exercises that can be integrated with one’s
everyday lifestyle like breathing exercises. He emphasized
strategies in living a healthy lifestyle and in achieving balance
between one’s personal and work life.
A total of one hundred fifty three (153) participants
attended the seminar coming from as far as Divine Word
College of Calapan, Mindoro. Other institutions included
Batangas State University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Trace
College, Caritas Don Bosco School, Manresa School, DLSULipa, DLSU-Zobel, DLS-HSI, Cavite Institute, National
College of Science & Technology, Lyceum College in
Alabang and Batangas, St. Anthony College, University of
Perpetual help in Molino and GMA, Immaculate Conception
College, Elizabeth Seton School, Our Lady of Caysaysay in
Batangas, Jesus Good Shepherd School, Imus Institute, San
Nicolas Elementary School, La Verne Academy, and Del
Pilar Academy.
Moreover, being part of the premiere university in the
region, SWC organized the event due to its desire to take a
lead role in providing opportunities for helping professionals
in the area to become more balanced and creative in their
ways of working and living. It also aspired to facilitate
more productive and dynamic linkages among the helping
Above: L-Dr. Violeta Bautista; R-Dr. Alfonso Lagaya explaining resiliency
before participants (below) from various schools in CaLaBaRZon
professionals from the different colleges and universities
nearby. With this initiative, the SWC is heading to become
a Continuing Professional Education provider in the next
two years.
Finally, various testing centers like, Center for
Educational Measurement, Inc.(CEM), Behavioral Dynamics,
Inc. (BDI) and PSI Psychological Testing and Research
Services (PTRS) co-sponsored the event. Local government
units and companies in Cavite were also tapped to support this
endeavor like Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor Remulla, Jr. Vice
Gov. Recto Cantimbuhan, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer
Austria-Barzaga, Trece Martirez City Vice Mayor Alexander
Lubigan, 4th District Board Member Raul Rex Mangubat,
Universal Robina Corporation, Dasmariñas Water District,
Goldenrey Direct Marketing/Time Magazine, Christian
Literature Crusade, and Coca-Cola Bottles, Philippines, Inc.
The DLSU-D University Student Council (USC) and the
Student Admissions Office (SAdO) also extended support
for the activity.
. . . from page 3 Counselors facilitate . . .
Center, it was attended by 15 young aspirants for Lasallian brotherhood
who were mostly students from LaSalle Lipa, Benilde, Taft, Zobel and
Dasmarinas. The seminar-workshop which centered on ways of
handling stress among adolescence was spearheaded by Kelvin John
Pedrosa, an aspirant at Residencia ABC, and was closed with remarks
What's Up?!
Counselors attend AKO PARA SA
BATA Conference 2012
Dr. Joy-Alvi Arañas, Cynthia Camarce, Dr. Marites Burgos and Glessie Cantada take a
pose after the seminar
Once again the Student Wellness Center (SWC) sent four
counselors to the AKO PARA SA BATA: Manila Conference held last
December 5-6, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center. Counselors
Dr. Joy-Alvi R. Arañas, Dr. Marites E. Burgos, Ms. Cynthia Camarce
and Ms. Glessie A. Cantada attended the two-day event with the
theme “Battling Bad Behaviors, Enabling Adults to Respond Positively
to Children.”
The conference aimed to help participants understand the
context of children’s behavior and to apply appropriate strategies
to deal with difficult behavior; and to learn positive discipline thus,
avoiding maltreatment of children and preventing escalation of
negative and maladaptive behaviors. Simultaneous symposia were
held and among the topics attended by the counselors were “Behavioral
Manifestations of Emotional Issues and Trauma,” “Moral discernment vs. Moral
Behavior,” “Positive parenting in Unique Circumstances,"“ and “Hot Young
Love, Consent and the Law.”
Peñamante speaks before parents
and young Leaders
Mrs. Pura Peñamante was the resource person for parent seminar
in two schools at Paliparan III in Dasmariñas City and at Cavite State
University-Imus Campus.
She tackled "The Challenging Role of Parents Today In the
Formation and Development of the Young Generation" at Scuola
Sorelle Faioli in Pintong Gubat on September 8, 2012, during the
school’s Second Parent’s Meeting while on October 23, 2012 at
Paliparan National High School in Paliparan Site 2, she discussed
Responsible Parenthood for Students’ Development.
While in Cavite State University-Imus Campus Mrs. Peñamante
was also the resource person in the leadership seminar for officers and
members of the CaviteYoung Leaders for Entrepreneurship (CYLE)
last December 8, 2012.The seminar was initiated by Mr. Sarge Millen
H. Pilpil, adviser and Mr. Kevin Ruel M. Olives, CYLE President.
Ruga talks on counseling
and supporting LGBT students
Counselors attend Karunungan Festival
The activity fostered new partnerships among
youth leaders, campus journalists, young photographers,
bloggers, SK leaders and local government executives
in-charge of youth, arts and culture. The end goal of this
collaboration was to develop innovative social media
platforms to address heritage preservation in policy and
practice, specifically on the issue of UNESCO World
Heritage Sites in the Philippines. It also provided the
participants opportunities to deepen their awareness
and understanding on the importance of preserving
and protecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the
Philippines such as Puerto Princesa Underground River,
the Tubbataha Reefs, the Historic Town of Vigan, the
Baroque Churches, and the Ifugao Rice Terraces, among
others.
D r. Evangeline Ruga, member of the Student
Wellness Center (SWC) Counseling and Psychotherapy
Committee shared her expertise during a seminar on
“Counseling and Supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) students,” with teachers,
counselors and administrators of Department of
Education (DepEd) Manila. Held last Dec. 1, 2012 at
Araullo High School in UN Ave., Manila, the seminar
was part of the Psychological Association of the
Philippine’s (PAP) Mission Week, a special continuing
project conceptualized on the occasion of PAP’s 50th
Anniversary.
The seminar aimed to equip participants with
current knowledge on positive approaches to diversity
and student development, especially for LGBT students,
and fundamental skills in providing a safe, respectful,
and affirming school environment for all. Ruga,
specifically talked on common issues facing LGBT
youth on campus, gave practical tips in making schools
respectful of diversity, and stressed on basic strategies
to make counseling services more LGBT-affirmative.
Martin gives career talk
This school year, Dr. Ann Margaret T. Martin,
RGC gave career talks to varied audiences in Cavite.
On July 28, 2012, she spoke on “Career Coaching”
with the parents of Elizabeth Seton School-South in
Imus, Cavite. On August 16, she spoke on “Career
Planning Strategies Amidst the K-12 Reform,” before
the guidance counselors of DLSU-D’s Feeder High
Schools. The said seminar was a joint project of the
Student Admissions Office and the Student Wellness
Center. Lastly, she gave a talk on “How to have a
successful college life,” with the High School seniors of
the Rogationist College in Silang, Cavite on November
15, 2012.
CSC Counselor at the CDAP
35th Convention
Ms. Pura Peñamante and Mr. Elmer Jimenez pose at the Karunungan Festival poster;
R-creative instructional materials at the exhibit area
Two Counselors from De La Salle University Dasmariñas, Mr. Elmer
Jimenez and Ms. Pura Peñamante attended the 6th KARUNUNGAN
Festival last September 21-22, 2012 organized by UNESCO National
Commission of the Philippines Social and Human Sciences Committee
at Marble Hall, National Museum Manila.
The activity highlighted different lectures/presentations intended
to enhance the awareness on the richness of our local history. It also
served as a good source of information for the integration of local
history in the teaching of various basic education subjects. Among
the topics discussed were the Local History in the Context of National
History, Local Historical Landscape: Enriching Social Studies in Bohol,
Local History of the Visayas Islands, Ang Kasaysayan sa Paglikha ng
Mundo ayon sa Mangyan, Local History in Mindanao: Disparities and
Priorities, The Food Detective: Ang Paggamit ng Kasaysayang Kulinarya
para sa Kabutihang Kaisipan at Kaginhawahan ng Sambayan, Vigan City:
Where the Past is a Powerful Presence and Kasaysayan ng Baler:
Paglalakip sa Pagtuturo ng Araling Panlipunan.
Meanwhile, the said event was held in partnership with the
National Museum and the METROBANK Foundation, Inc.
Jimenez joins UNESCO's WHEN
Ms. Pura Peñamante (4th from left) and Mr. Allan Rosarda of LCDC (L) with faculty
members of Paliparan National High School during the seminar for parents
What's Up?!
The National Association of UNESCO Clubs in the
Philippines (NAUCP), Inc., in partnership with UNESCO
National Commission of the Philippines spearheaded the
a seminar-series titled UNESCO Club World Heritage
Education and Encounter (WHEN) in Ifugao, Ilocos,
and Palawan with the theme “Youth, Social Media
and Natural & Cultural Heritage Preservation". The
seminar-workshop series was held last October 1113, 2012 for Ifugao, October 18-20, 2012 for Ilocos,
and October 25-27, 2012 for Palawan and was geared
towards promoting national and community-based
collaboration across all sectors and levels to improve
heritage preservation using social media.
Career Services Committee counselor, Dr. Ann
Margaret T. Martin, RGC, was the school’s sole
participant to the 35th National Convention/Workshop
of the Career Development Association of the
Philippines (CDAP) at the CSB Hotel Manila from
November 21-23, 2012. Themed, “Re-engineering Career
Development: A Response to Recent Thrusts,” the
convention was formally opened with a keynote speech
from Atty. Alexander L. Lacson, Founder and Chair
Emeritus of Kabayanihan Foundation. Atty. Lacson
invited the audience to “revisit” the Philippines sans
cynicism and pessimism underscoring the 12 wonderful
things about the Filipino and our Motherland. He then
proceeded to challenge the career counselors to take an
active part in the total development of Filipinos.
Highlights of the convention were the orientation
on the Department of Education (DepEd)‘s K-12
Curriculum by Undersecretary of Programs & Projects,
Dr. Yolanda S. Quijano; the Industry Perspective on
Careers in the Philippines by Ms. Ana Maria S. Bongato,
Board of Director of the Personnel Management
Association of the Philippines and Executive Director of
the Business Process Association of the Philippines; and
Counselor Wellness by Dr. Alfonso T. Lagaya,MD., Vice
President of the Philippine Academy of Acupuncture.
Dr. Martin participated in the workshops on
Developmental Career Guidance Program for Higher
Education run by Prof. Corazon D. Huvalla, RGC of St.
Scholastica’s College Manila on the second day of the
convention; and Creative Test Interpretation run by Dr.
Carlo Magno of De La Salle University-Manila on its
third day. Her participation was made possible through
the faculty development funds of the Student Wellness
Center and the College of Education Graduate Studies
where she teaches Career Counseling.
What's Up?!
L-R: Mr. Red Ilas and Ms. Joy Parohinog facilitating the LaBiDabDab; Laila Pornel heads "Thank you, Salamat" Jezryl Chrisie Cudiamat
shares her original poem; and Michael Niño Ramirez reads "Pag-ibig" Below: familiar students enjoying the presentation.
In celebration of the Lasallian Festival, the PsychEducational Committee of the Student Wellness Center, in
cooperation with the Council of Student Organizations and
assisted by the Visual and Performing Arts Production Unit,
presented the first ever “LABiDaBDaB (Lab Ayon sa Binata,
Dalaga, Bata, Damatans, at Bahaghari. )”
Presented on Valentine’s Day, the project gathered selected
people to creatively define, express, and share what does love
mean to them. It had two parts, the Creative Presentation and
Expression and the Fliptop Battle.
The Creative Presentation and Expression showcased
original and published works read by invited guests. First off
was Michael Niño Ramirez, staff from Museo De La Salle,
who represented “Binata” or single men. Reading the poem
“Pag-ibig” by Jose Corazon De Jesus, he set the right mood
by showing that, indeed, love has its many forms. He was
followed by Laila Monera Pornel, a Community Development
alumna who represented “Dalaga” or single women. She read
her poem, “Thank You, Salamat” inspired by another poem of
the same title. Sharing her own journey on love, she gave the
audience a glimpse of the highs and lows of young love.
Next to present her creative piece was Jezryl Chrisie
Cudiamat. Introduced as a future Lasallian, she is a daughter of
proud Lasallian parents. Representing “Bata” or children, she
read her original poem on love. With her innocent thoughts on
love, she was truly endearing.
To showcase what love means to “Damatans” or older
people, clip from the animated film “Up” was shown. The
four minute clip showed how the couple Carl and Ellie met,
got married and grew old together. But Ellie became ill and
left Carl alone which made him pursue their dream adventure
when they were young.
To cap off the first part of the project, Jeffrey Lubang,
a faculty from the Social Sciences Department, represented
“Bahaghari” or members of the lesbians, gays, bisexual and
transgendered (LGBT) community. Having lived a very colorful
life, he shared that his personal experiences on love and life,
brought him not only moments of elation but also tribulation
and made him realize what makes him truly happy. Now he is
happy with his wife and family. He then concluded his sharing
by reading a published work from the book “Ladlad”.
The second activity was “The Fliptop Battle,” the modern
form of “Balagtasan” which showcased the players’ wit through
the cleverest punch lines they can muster expressed in rap-style.
With the topic, “Sino ang mas masarap magmahal, ang mga
babae o ang mga lalaki?”, the two teams representing CCJE and
CEAT gave their funniest and wittiest punch lines that were
both challenging and entertaining. The audience were already on
their feet as the team from CCJE, composed of two young ladies,
won the first-ever Fliptop Battle in DLSU-D and received the
cash prize of Php2,000.00. Apart from being remarkable battle
warriors, they also have generous hearts. After encouraging the
audience to consider unleashing their talents through Fliptop,
they also shared their cash prize to the two gentlemen from
CEAT, making the entire event, beyond doubt, memorable.
Indeed, February 14 was truly special. Even if it is not
considered as an official holiday, that did not stop the Student
Wellness Center to celebrate love as defined and expressed by
people of different ages, sexual orientation identities, shapes,
and sizes!