JRT Foundation Conducts Mental Health Awareness Orientation for TIKYO Scholars
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — JRT Foundation, the charitable arm of Coolaire Consolidated Inc. (Coolaire), conducted Nurturing Mental Health: A Mental Health Awareness Orientation for its TIKYO Scholars on June 13, as part of its pursuit of student development and commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The orientation marked the first session in the Caring Initiative Series, the TIKYO Scholarship Program’s effort to foster students’ welfare beyond financial means. The series directly supports the SDGs, particularly SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4 Quality Education.
“Addressing mental health concerns helps students overcome challenges that impede proper learning. It will also make quality education attainable since mental health awareness will make them more well-rounded and achieve their full potential as a student and good citizen,” said Corazon Santos, Coolaire SDG Lead and Program Advisor to the JRT Foundation.
The activity brought together 37 TIKYO Scholars from 23 public and private educational institutions across grade school, high school, and college levels. The scholars’ parents also attended, highlighting the vital role families play in student development.
Supporting Scholars Beyond the Classroom
Dr. Phany Castillo-Ho, a mental health advocate and the co-founder of the Davao Serenity Springs Retirement Village, served as the seminar’s resource speaker.
“Mental health is your capacity to cope with the stresses of life. Almost 20% of the world suffers from mental health concerns [kaya] hindi ito dapat kinakahiya at kinakatakot. [This orientation] helps spread the word about mental health [kasi] kailangan natin siyang mapag-usapan at maintindihan,” she emphasized.
In a recent wellness check, the TIKYO Scholars disclosed having difficulties concentrating in school, citing feeling overwhelmed by academic requirements. They further expressed an interest to learn proper ways in managing stress, regulate their emotions, and strengthen their self-confidence.
Dr. Castillo-Ho consequently talked about the common mental health challenges and their underlying causes and challenged the surrounding stigma. She also encouraged seeking help from family and friends—something many of the participants noted they have in abundance.
Parents also participated actively in the session by asking questions on how to better support their children’s mental well-being.
“To the parents listening, you should be role models for your children and be involved in their lives,” urged Dr. Castillo-Ho.
For many scholars, the orientation ultimately helped them gain valuable insights on mental health.
“We must break the stigma that mental health issues are only a concern for the wealthy. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, the first step toward healing is reaching out and asking for the support we need,” shared Rizia Kishi Baltes, an 18-year-old TIKYO Scholar from the Colegio de Arcangel San Gabriel.
Avie Roche M. Sta. Ana, a 12-year-old scholar from the Grace of Shekinah School, also hopes to become more understanding of her peers rather than making immediate judgments.
The rest of the students echoed similar sentiments of recognizing early signs of mental health concerns and applying healthy practices to better manage them.
Continued Commitment to Quality Education
The JRT Foundation, through the TIKYO Scholarship Program, advances its advocacy for quality education. Presently, the program supports 69 scholars across grade school, high school, and college levels.
“Domestic concerns and school-related issues can lead to poor student performance. The [series] prevents these from happening [by emphasizing] that at the end of the day, we have to care for one another,” Gerald Orbe, Foundation Executive Director, likewise asserted.
In the coming months, the JRT Foundation will expand the series to include learning sessions on spiritual values, bullying prevention, and drug awareness. With the Caring Initiative Series underway, it reaffirms the program’s mission of nurturing well-rounded learners.
At its core, this effort embodies the JRT Foundation and TIKYO Scholarship Program’s goal, consistent with the SDGs, that quality education extends beyond the classroom. It involves nurturing a safe and supportive environment where students can reach their fullest potential.
Interview and text by Raf Perez Inguito