The University of Batangas (UB) Distance Education (UBDE) and the UB Distance Education Student Organization celebrated World Mental Health Day on October 10 and 11, 2024, through a series of activities that promoted awareness and compassion within the UBDE community.

In line with the theme “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” UBDE launched the Collection of Mental Health Quotations activity on its official Facebook page. Students shared inspiring quotes, heartfelt reflections, and personal messages about mental well-being, creating a virtual space that encouraged empathy and connection. This collaborative effort transformed digital engagement into a meaningful act of solidarity, reminding every learner that mental wellness matters, even in a distance learning setup.

UBDE also joined the Opening Salvo of the university-wide celebration at the UB Millennium Campus, where participants wore blue—the symbolic color of mental health awareness. The department’s involvement underscored its support for the initiatives of the Counseling and Psychological Wellness Center (CoPWell), which spearheaded programs promoting emotional well-being across campuses.

The celebration continued on October 11, 2024, with UBDE members attending the Mental Health Seminar for Parents and Teachers at the University Auditorium. The seminar, led by Prof. Mariflor “Yeng” Gatchalian, RPsy, titled “Meeting You in the Eye: How to Deal with Students Struggling with Special Needs,” empowered educators and parents to build inclusive learning spaces and respond with compassion to students’ mental health needs.

Through these collective efforts, UBDE strengthened its advocacy for mental wellness, collaboration, and inclusivity—affirming that a healthy mind remains essential to academic success and community growth.