To strengthen mental health awareness and preparedness, the National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS) conducted a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training for its students on 07 April 2025 at the NIGS Multipurpose Room. The session aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to provide immediate psychological support to individuals experiencing distress—especially relevant in high-pressure environments such as fieldwork or crisis situations.
The training was facilitated by resource speakers Ms. Danielle Marie A. Parreño and Mr. Miguel L. Bautista from UP Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsycServ). They introduced the fundamental principles of early psychological intervention, focusing on preparation, active observation, and appropriate response strategies.
Participants learned how to identify signs of psychological distress, understand levels of emotional risk, and provide appropriate first-line responses. The session also emphasized the importance of referral to professional mental health services when necessary.
By the end of the training, students were better equipped to support their peers in times of emotional difficulty—reinforcing UP-NIGS' commitment to creating a safe, responsive, and compassionate academic community.
Moments from the Psychological First Aid Training conducted by UP PsychServe.