Lipa City, Batangas — The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) joined the global observance of Suicide Prevention Month this September 2025, underscoring the importance of mental health awareness, early intervention, and building a compassionate and supportive campus community.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 16, 2025, the Counseling and Psychological Wellness Center (COPWELL) spearheaded a series of activities, beginning with a Eucharistic Celebration at 8:00 a.m. at the Multipurpose Hall. This was followed by the Mental Health First Aid Training for Student Leaders and a Therapeutic Gardening activity, both designed to equip students with practical skills to recognize, respond to, and manage mental health challenges, while also fostering wellness and resilience.
In collaboration with the Student Government, COPWELL also produced and distributed brochures on self-care practices, encouraging UBians to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed. These initiatives reflect the University’s proactive approach in promoting a culture of well-being and support on campus.
This year’s global theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” (2024–2026), calls for shifting from silence and stigma toward openness, empathy, and systemic reform. The theme urges governments, institutions, and communities to adopt policies that prioritize mental health, expand access to care, and invest in evidence-based interventions. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering honest conversations to break down barriers and create cultures of understanding and support.
“As counselors, we support suicide prevention by providing a safe and compassionate space where individuals feel truly heard and understood. Through active listening and early intervention, we can help identify risks and respond with care. We guide individuals in building healthy coping strategies, connect them with appropriate resources, and collaborate with families, schools, and communities to create a strong support network. In doing so, we foster hope, resilience, and the assurance that no one has to go through their struggles alone,” shared Ms. Vielle Anne Marie Bleza-Flores, University Psychometrician and Counselor-in-Charge of the UBLC High School Department.
Globally, World Suicide Prevention Day is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). The annual observance aims to raise awareness, provide hope, and inspire collective action, with the central message that suicide can be prevented.
Each September, Suicide Prevention Month becomes a platform to start conversations, spread hope, and spark meaningful action in communities worldwide. UBLC’s participation reflects its commitment to ensuring that students and families have access to resources, tools, and support to recognize warning signs, seek help, and foster a culture of care.
The University of Batangas reaffirms its strong stand that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Through education, compassion, and proactive support, the institution remains steadfast in promoting the dignity of life, the value of well-being, and the hope that no UBian has to struggle alone.