Forum on mental health, volunteerism
In its third year of promoting safe spaces for mental health discussions, nonprofit organization I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. will host a forum on mental health and volunteerism at Cinema 6, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Oct. 19.
This initiative comes in light of recent findings indicating that mental health issues are among the top five reasons for dropout rates among higher education students in the Philippines.
Titled “MAD Talks Padayon,” the event coincides with World Mental Health Month. “The primary goal of the event is to create a safe space for volunteers to share their personal journeys of pain, love, healing and growth,” said Kaye Maguddayao, project lead. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking help.
“MAD Talks Padayon” will feature selected readings from “Mga Tala at Tula,” a poetry collection by author Ron Canimo, known for capturing the depths of human emotion. His organization Mga Tala at Tula Community won as one the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines in 2020 for introducing the beauty of poem writing to the new generation and imparting love, hope and healing through poems and creative writing.
Actor and influencer Sky Quizon will also share messages of hope and insights on volunteerism.
Dubbed the “Ultimate Hugot” event, this initiative is a collaboration with SM Cares, the social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, and the National Youth Commission, designed to engage diverse audiences nationwide. The theme will focus on the journey of volunteers, captured in the phrase: “Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Nag-volunteer at Padayon.”
This year’s speakers include Jao Jundam, a nursing board exam topnotcher, known for his viral story of taking on odd jobs before becoming a nurse in Australia. Also speaking will be Jake Villanueva from UP Diliman; Kaye Chia, student leader from Manila Tytana Colleges; and Ymari Kristia Pascua, a mental health coach.
Tickets are available at P99 at bit.ly/MADTalksPadayon2024, with a portion of proceeds benefiting learner-participants of the MAD Camps program for 2025. Support the organization by donating at bit.ly/bidadonate.
