Story By: Alexcy Muyo, CVPro
Photos By: Rachel Mae De Gracia, CVPro
What makes September meaningful?
The National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the month-long activities highlighting mental wellbeing makes September such a meaningful month.
In line with this, the Student Development and Placement Center (SDPC) annually organizes a Suicide Prevention Talk and Mental Health Check-up for Thomasian students. Associate guidance counsellor Ms. Jamela S. Mapa was this year’s orientation speaker. Ms. Mapa underscored that the goal of the orientation was not only to educate, but also to break the stigma of talking about suicide and mental health.
“It’s okay to talk about suicide”, Ms. Mapa encouraged the students.
From September 8-12, 2025, Thomasians in Grades 7 and 8 and first year college, and transferees filled the Colegio de Sto. Tomas – Recoletos Audio Visual Room and Cultural Center with laughter, empathy, and meaningful conversations during the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Orientation and consequent activities.
Among the eager batch of seventh graders, Noven Earl R. Lime and Johann Van Rey Umadhay shared their key take-aways.
“We are oriented about what suicide is and how to notice a person’s suicidal ideation,” Lim said with a smile that said suicide as a word was no longer taboo. Umadhay added that “If we [were] faced with problems [that] we [could not] solve on our own, we can always ask for help.”
The silent pressure to excel and the weight of expectations were also brought to light. Eighth graders Roanna Gail Mosquera and Hazel Antoinette Mongcal pointed out that stress is one of the most common triggers of anxiety and depression for girls at their age.
“Stress doesn’t only put pressure on students, but [it] also greatly affects our mental health,” Mosquera explained. Mongcal emphasized the importance of support systems and noted that “opening up can help ease a person’s burden”.
The orientation became more than just a school activity—it served as a reminder that awareness and honest conversations are vital in breaking the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.
