BAGUIO CITY — University of Baguio (UB) has chosen to confront the issue of depression among its students instead of just shrugging it off.
The school’s administration, during Wednesday’s opening of the year-long celebration of UB’s 70th anniversary, said they recognize that depression is more than just the feeling of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, but a condition that affects many aspects of life, including the ability to meet academic and professional goals.
“Depression can interfere with the students’ ability to perform their best and can make it difficult for them to fully participate in their community, including the campus community,” said Armando Castañeda, UB Vice President for Academic Affairs, in a press conference on UB’s 70th-year celebration.
He explained that as second parents to the students, the teachers also look into the trends of the academic performance of their students and call on them for counseling.
Castañeda said UB has provided guidance counseling sessions specifically for students who suffer from depression.
The university also came up with a program for young mother-students, he said, as teenage pregnancy is now also a reality among its students.
To prevent dropout incidence, young mothers are invited to attend the school’s weekend sessions, where they are taught how to balance parenting and studies.
“We want to help our teenage moms to cope with the demands of education. They are our students, so we will help them fulfill their dreams,” Castañeda said.
UB’s 70th-year activities have been lined up until December to remember its humble beginnings, the school authorities said. Among the activities are community programs in Baguio and other provinces in the region. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)
