Written by Shiela Natalie Juyag
As part of the University of Science High School’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and mentally healthy learning environment, the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) facilitated a series of Group Guidance Sessions for Grade 7 and Grade 10 students on July 13, 14, and 20, 2026. The sessions aimed to strengthen students’ awareness of bullying prevention, promote mental health literacy, and equip learners with practical skills to support themselves and others.
During the Anti-Bullying Group Guidance Sessions, Grade 7 students participated in the Great Minds Belong Bingo activity, where they discovered both the similarities and differences they share with their classmates. The activity emphasized that while every student is unique, everyone has a place where they belong in the UB Science High School community. Meanwhile, Grade 10 students engaged in the Invisible String activity, reflecting on the moments that strengthened or weakened their connections with peers. Through guided processing, they explored how everyday interactions, when left unaddressed, may develop into bullying situations. All students were also oriented on the different forms of bullying, the proper procedures for reporting incidents, and the school’s commitment to protecting learners in line with the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013), as reflected in DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026.
The Mental Health Group Guidance Sessions focused on developing students’ awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. Through a Mindfulness Quiz, students were introduced to the concept of mindfulness and the importance of being present in their daily experiences. This became the springboard for the Mental Health Detectives activity, where Grade 7 students discussed how individuals may respond differently to the same situations, distinguished facts from myths about mental health, identified healthy and unhealthy coping strategies, and became familiar with the mental health support systems available within the Science High community and beyond. The sessions also introduced the N-N-N Framework for promoting mental wellness: Notice their thoughts, emotions, and relationships with the significant people in their lives; Name what they are feeling to better understand their experiences; and Navigate challenges through healthy self-regulation, help-seeking behaviors, and the support of trusted individuals and available resources.
By creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations about bullying and mental health, these Group Guidance Sessions provided students with valuable knowledge and practical tools to help them navigate the challenges of student life at UB Science High School. The program will continue in September 2026, when similar sessions will be conducted for Grade 8 and Grade 9 students, reaffirming the school’s commitment to nurturing learners who are not only academically excellent but also emotionally resilient and socially responsible.
