The University of Northern Philippines brought its guidance and student-welfare expertise to the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Ilocos Region Campus as the school conducted its bullying awareness and prevention campaign on September 25, 2026.
Organized by PSHS as part of its continuing effort to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment, the campaign sought to cultivate a school community where every scholar is treated with dignity, respect, and understanding. It also highlighted the importance of empathy, compassion, and personal responsibility in preventing bullying and maintaining positive relationships among students.
Dr. Marifel Acena, Head of the Student Welfare Services Office under the Office of Student Affairs and Services and Program Head of the Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling, served as the resource speaker for the session “Safe Schools, Healthy Minds: Preventing Bullying and Promoting Well-Being.”
Drawing from research-based guidance and counseling practices, Dr. Acena helped the scholars understand bullying not only as a school discipline concern but also as an issue that can influence students’ academic engagement, interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, and overall emotional well-being.
Through interactive discussions and practical situations, the scholars examined the different ways bullying may manifest in the school setting, considered its possible effects on those involved, and discussed appropriate responses when they witness or experience bullying. The session likewise emphasized the role of empathy, compassion, respect, and accountability in building healthier peer relationships, while encouraging scholars to become responsible bystanders who can speak up, seek appropriate assistance, and contribute to a school environment where students feel safe, heard, and valued.
Through this joint effort, both institutions reinforce a shared vision: schools where kindness, mutual respect, and mental health literacy are core conditions for learning rather than optional add-ons. By offering evidence-informed tools for prevention and well-being, UNP contributed to PSHS’s efforts to help every scholar perform at their full potential in a safe, dignified, and supportive environment
