TO DEVELOP KNOWLEDGE and skills in delivering counseling services, Pangasinan State University Admission and Guidance Office conducted a guidance learning activity to school counselors, mental health advocates and other allied professions about Basic Counseling Skills and Ethical Standards held on October 14 (Wednesday) via zoom meeting.
Facilitated by the Guidance Counselor of PSU Lingayen Campus, Ms. Beverly Fernandez, the said online activity was joined by over thousands of participants from different sectors of society all over the country.
The learning activity was staged to provide information on relevant ethical principles and codes related to counseling.
“Since there is an increase in the cases of mental health concerns, there is a pressing need to cater mental health issues and one way is to equip mental health professionals and advocates through continuous professional development”, Fernandez said.
In an account from a Department of Health (DOH) survey which is based on the national prevalence study on mental, neurological and substance use disorders, there are around 3.6 million Filipinos who are suffering from mental disorders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Fernandez underscored that the counseling services webinar is also “a response and contribution to the vision and advocacy of the university as to nation building.”
Moreover, the office is looking forward to organize more learning activities about guidance and counseling to reach out advocates in the mental health field. “This is just the first part of guidance learning series and we are already working on our next trainings and workshop offerings,” the guidance counselor said. /mmpd