Recognizing the importance of accessible mental health support and peer connection, Romblon State University (RSU), through its Guidance and Counseling Services Office (GCSO), officially launched the ALWAN HopeLine on September 23 at the RSU Quadrangle.
ALWAN, which stands for Advocacy on Leveraging Well-being through Assistance in Mental Health Crisis and Nurturing Peer Support, is a GCSO-led initiative that aims to provide accessible assistance during mental health crises while nurturing a culture of peer support within and beyond the University community.
The official launch was attended by University Officials, University unit heads and directors, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and students, reflecting the University's collective commitment to promoting mental health and well-being.
In the opening remarks delivered by Dr. John B. Fabello, OIC and Director of the Social and Cultural Affairs Office, on behalf of Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Gianinna Elaine M. Labicane, the importance of being present and willing to listen was underscored.
“Sometimes, we do not need to give perfect advice. We simply need to ask: ‘Are you really okay?’ or ‘Do you want to talk?’ And sometimes, being willing to listen can already make a difference. This is the importance of peer support,” Dr. Fabello emphasized.
The opening was followed by the official launching of ALWAN HopeLine and the presentation of its audiovisual material, introducing the initiative and its role in providing support to those who may be experiencing difficult moments.
The launch was also marked by messages of support from the University's offices, with representatives delivering messages on behalf of the respective Vice Presidents.
Among these was Dr. Emelyn F. Montoya, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who emphasized that resilience should not be equated with facing every challenge alone.
“We often tell our students, ‘Kaya mo ’yan.’ And yes, we want them to be resilient. But we also need to remind them that being strong does not mean having to face everything alone. There are times when what a person needs is not an immediate solution, but simply someone who is willing to listen,” Dr. Montoya said.
The messages of support from the University's leadership underscored a shared commitment to making mental health and well-being an integral part of the University's culture and ensuring that members of the community have spaces where they can seek help and be heard.
The program continued with the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, led by the University's top officials and joined by teaching and non-teaching personnel and students.
The commitment was further affirmed through an Oath of Commitment led by the NextEarth Movement, as participants collectively expressed their commitment to supporting the goals of ALWAN HopeLine and helping foster a more caring, understanding, and supportive community.
As part of the initiative, the GCSO is also calling for volunteers who are willing to become part of the ALWAN HopeLine and help promote a culture of listening, compassion, and support.
Through ALWAN HopeLine, RSU promotes a culture of support and open conversations by making mental health assistance accessible to RSUvians and the wider community alike, reminding everyone that no one has to face difficult moments alone.
For announcements, updates, volunteer opportunities, and information about the initiative, the community is encouraged to follow the official Facebook pages of the RSU Guidance and Counseling Services Office (GCSO) and ALWAN HopeLine.
The official launch was attended by University Officials, University unit heads and directors, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and students, reflecting the University's collective commitment to promoting mental health and well-being.
In the opening remarks delivered by Dr. John B. Fabello, OIC and Director of the Social and Cultural Affairs Office, on behalf of Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Gianinna Elaine M. Labicane, the importance of being present and willing to listen was underscored.
“Sometimes, we do not need to give perfect advice. We simply need to ask: ‘Are you really okay?’ or ‘Do you want to talk?’ And sometimes, being willing to listen can already make a difference. This is the importance of peer support,” Dr. Fabello emphasized.
The opening was followed by the official launching of ALWAN HopeLine and the presentation of its audiovisual material, introducing the initiative and its role in providing support to those who may be experiencing difficult moments.
The launch was also marked by messages of support from the University's offices, with representatives delivering messages on behalf of the respective Vice Presidents.
Among these was Dr. Emelyn F. Montoya, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who emphasized that resilience should not be equated with facing every challenge alone.
“We often tell our students, ‘Kaya mo ’yan.’ And yes, we want them to be resilient. But we also need to remind them that being strong does not mean having to face everything alone. There are times when what a person needs is not an immediate solution, but simply someone who is willing to listen,” Dr. Montoya said.
The messages of support from the University's leadership underscored a shared commitment to making mental health and well-being an integral part of the University's culture and ensuring that members of the community have spaces where they can seek help and be heard.
The program continued with the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, led by the University's top officials and joined by teaching and non-teaching personnel and students.
The commitment was further affirmed through an Oath of Commitment led by the NextEarth Movement, as participants collectively expressed their commitment to supporting the goals of ALWAN HopeLine and helping foster a more caring, understanding, and supportive community.
As part of the initiative, the GCSO is also calling for volunteers who are willing to become part of the ALWAN HopeLine and help promote a culture of listening, compassion, and support.
Through ALWAN HopeLine, RSU promotes a culture of support and open conversations by making mental health assistance accessible to RSUvians and the wider community alike, reminding everyone that no one has to face difficult moments alone.
For announcements, updates, volunteer opportunities, and information about the initiative, the community is encouraged to follow the official Facebook pages of the RSU Guidance and Counseling Services Office (GCSO) and ALWAN HopeLine.
