What Readers Should Know
PLDT and Smart partnered with DepEd and STEFTI for three days of mental wellness, Psychological First Aid training, and internet safety activities in Tacloban City. The initiative supported learners and helped school personnel build skills for providing psychosocial support during emergencies.
Key Takeaways
- The three-day Tacloban initiative combined mental wellness, crisis support, and internet safety activities.
- Grade 9 and 10 learners from San Jose National High School participated, along with junior and senior high school students from STEFTI.
- Student sessions covered common stressors, healthy coping mechanisms, and mental health myths.
- School heads and STEFTI personnel received Psychological First Aid training and were encouraged to share their learning with colleagues.
- DepEd Tacloban City and STEFTI received “Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala” books to promote internet safety and responsible digital citizenship.
Students, school heads, and school personnel in Tacloban City took part in a three-day series of activities focused on mental wellness, crisis support, and online safety through a partnership involving PLDT, Smart, and local education institutions.
The initiative brought together PLDT Inc., Smart Communications, the Department of Education Region VIII, the DepEd Schools Division of Tacloban City, and St. Therese Educational Foundation of Tacloban Inc. (STEFTI). It formed part of PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedforResilience advocacy.
Helping learners understand stress and coping
Grade 9 and 10 students from San Jose National High School joined a mental wellness session that introduced strategies for managing personal challenges and responding to difficult situations. Similar activities were extended to junior and senior high school students at STEFTI.
Interactive discussions and exercises covered common stressors, healthy coping mechanisms, and mental health myths. The sessions gave learners opportunities to explore how they can respond to challenges while caring for their well-being.
DepEd Tacloban City Schools Division Superintendent Sherlita A. Palma said the activities addressed the need for psychosocial support following a recent crisis faced by the division.
“Beyond building knowledge and skills, this effort helps ensure that our schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all Taclobanon learners,” Palma said.
Preparing school personnel to offer support
A training-of-trainers session on Psychological First Aid equipped DepEd Tacloban City school heads and STEFTI teaching and non-teaching personnel with practical tools for providing immediate psychosocial support during emergencies.
Participants were encouraged to share what they learned with fellow teachers and staff, extending the training’s reach within their school communities.
STEFTI school director Mary Bernadette Palami said educators welcome opportunities to strengthen their ability to support students’ mental well-being. She noted that understanding mental health and helping learners care for themselves requires specialized expertise.
The activities connected student learning with staff training, giving both groups a role in building more supportive school environments.
Extending school safety to the digital world
DepEd Tacloban City and STEFTI also received copies of PLDT and Smart’s “Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala,” or “The Adventure of Tala.” The books aim to raise children’s awareness of internet safety and encourage responsible digital citizenship.
Marylou B. Gocotano, Stakeholder Engagement Visayas Relations head at PLDT and Smart, said the companies’ work with education partners reflects their commitment to young people’s safety and well-being, both offline and online.
By combining mental wellness sessions, training for school personnel, and internet safety materials, the initiative addressed several areas of learner support. Its emphasis on sharing lessons with other staff also provides a way for participating schools to continue the work beyond the three-day activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Tacloban school resilience initiative?
It was a three-day series of activities focused on student mental wellness, Psychological First Aid training for school personnel, and internet safety awareness.
Who partnered for the activities?
PLDT, Smart, DepEd Region VIII, the DepEd Schools Division of Tacloban City, and St. Therese Educational Foundation of Tacloban Inc. partnered for the initiative.
Which students participated in the mental wellness sessions?
Participants included Grade 9 and 10 students from San Jose National High School and junior and senior high school students from STEFTI.
Who received Psychological First Aid training?
DepEd Tacloban City school heads and STEFTI teaching and non-teaching personnel received training in providing immediate psychosocial support during emergencies.
What is “Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala”?
It is a PLDT and Smart book intended to raise children’s awareness of internet safety and encourage responsible digital citizenship.
Gabriel
Introvert, wanderer, blogger, foodie, a hip-hop music writer, and one of the co-founders of a tech start-up company called GigsManila.
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