Guidance counselors, school nurses, and project development officers from public schools in this city are currently undergoing specialized training aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to address mental health concerns among students.

The initiative comes in response to increasing reports of anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, suicides among students, which have raised alarms within the educational community.

The Division of Naga City Schools is leading this comprehensive three-day training, which began on September 25. The program is designed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and capabilities in handling psychosocial issues experienced by both students and teachers.

Hazel Rose Ledesma Sumpay, a registered nurse and licensed teacher, who serves as the Division Nurse in Charge, said that the training forms part of the DepEd’s Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd (OK sa DepEd) flagship program, particularly focusing on mental health support.

“There are cases of suicide among students, alongside instances of mental depression and anxiety,” Sumpay said. “This training is crucial as we capacitate our guidance counselors and project development officers, equipping them to address these critical issues at the school level.”

Although the Department of Education (DepEd) in Naga City has yet to compile an official list or conduct in-depth studies to determine the underlying factors contributing to these suicides and mental health concerns, the Division’s medical department speculates that poor social interactions, strained familial relationships, and academic pressure may be contributing factors. Bullying, poor grades, and family-related issues have also been cited as potential triggers.

The Naga City Mental Health Council, chaired by City Councilor Gayle Abonal, has been actively collaborating with DepEd to ensure that the mental health program reaches the community level. Through this partnership, the program aims to extend beyond the classroom, involving the community in addressing the mental health needs of students.

In addition to handling mental health challenges, DepEd Naga’s efforts are integrated with the agency’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program. Both initiatives work together to provide a holistic approach to student well-being, especially in schools where cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts have been reported.

Sumpay emphasized that the Department is not only focusing on awareness but is also in the process of formulating activities to strengthen its advocacy against mental health issues.

“Our goal is to empower guidance counselors and other school personnel, ensuring they are fully prepared to handle these situations and provide necessary support to students in distress,” she said.

The DepEd continues to push for proactive measures such as training, seminars, and information dissemination to combat the mental health challenges affecting students. These efforts, Sumpay said, are all part of the Department’s broader vision of creating a supportive, responsive environment for learners, where mental health is prioritized just as much as academic performance.