Strengthening its commitment to community engagement and mental health promotion, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program carried out a series of grassroots extension activities at Sallacong Elementary School and Banaoang Elementary School, bringing psychological support, awareness, and community-based interventions closer to learners and members of the local community.
The first leg of the extension initiative was conducted at Sallacong Elementary School on September 18, 2026, where the BS Psychology team undertook a comprehensive assessment of the school community’s needs and concerns. Complementing the assessment, the team also facilitated a focused mental health lecture designed to deepen participants’ understanding of mental well-being, address misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health concerns, and provide practical, foundational strategies for promoting a healthier and more supportive school environment.
Building on the same community-based approach, the BS Psychology team brought its extension efforts to Banaoang Elementary School on September 22, 2026, engaging key stakeholders in a collaborative needs assessment. School Principal Ms. Gina Antonio, teachers, parents, the barangay captain and other local officials, together with community members, actively participated in the consultation, providing valuable perspectives on the school’s circumstances and emerging concerns. Their collective inputs enabled the team to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges confronting the school and the broader needs of the surrounding community, reinforcing the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in designing responsive mental health and community-based interventions.
The two-part initiative represents a significant milestone in the BS Psychology program’s community extension efforts, providing a strong foundation for its succeeding outreach initiatives. Led by Dr. Christian Gea Florentino, the program will draw on the data, stakeholder perspectives, and firsthand insights gathered from the two schools to guide the design and implementation of its upcoming extension projects and future community-based activities.
Through sustained engagement with school personnel, families, local officials, and community members, the BS Psychology program continues to strengthen its efforts to develop responsive and evidence-based psychological interventions. By grounding its extension initiatives in the actual needs and experiences of partner communities, the program seeks to contribute meaningfully to mental health promotion, community empowerment, and sustainable community development.
