UB–SCJPS Leads Community Outreach on Teen Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Pinsao Proper
Written by Villanueva, Felipe N.
The University of Baguio – School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) successfully conducted the outreach program “Together for Life: Community Action Against Teen Suicide in Cordillera” on October 24, 2025, at the Pinsao Proper Barangay Hall, Baguio City. The activity aimed to address pressing adolescent concerns by promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and youth empowerment within the community.
The face-to-face outreach brought together 43 participants, including students, faculty members, graduate students, barangay officials, student volunteers, and invited speakers. It served as a collaborative platform for discussing critical youth-related issues such as teen suicide prevention, mental health awareness, teenage pregnancy, adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), and gender inclusivity.
The program featured a series of lectures and interactive discussions led by professionals from the academic and health sectors. Resource speakers provided evidence-based insights on recognizing signs of emotional distress among adolescents, understanding risk factors for suicide, promoting responsible decision-making, and fostering open communication within families, schools, and communities. Discussions on ASRH and gender awareness further emphasized the importance of informed choices, self-care, and respect for diversity.
Participants actively engaged throughout the activity through open forums and question-and-answer sessions. This interactive approach created a safe and supportive environment where participants were encouraged to share insights, reflect on personal experiences, and deepen their understanding of adolescent well-being. The discussions underscored that mental health is a shared responsibility that involves the family, educational institutions, and the wider community.
Based on post-activity evaluations, the outreach received positive feedback in terms of organization, clarity of presentations, and relevance of the topics discussed. Participants indicated that the activity effectively increased their awareness of mental health concerns, helped reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues, and equipped them with basic knowledge on identifying and supporting at-risk youth. Many participants also highlighted lessons related to self-awareness, emotional well-being, gender equality, and responsible life choices.
The outreach activity contributed meaningfully to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through collaboration with barangay officials and community stakeholders, the initiative strengthened partnerships and promoted inclusive access to health and education-related information.
The “Together for Life” outreach concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to continue advocating for youth mental health and well-being. By extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community, the University of Baguio reaffirmed its mission of providing holistic, socially responsive education and contributing to community transformation. The activity stands as a meaningful step toward building a more supportive, informed, and resilient environment for the youth of the Cordillera region.
