With the overwhelming events and uncertainties of these unprecedented times, have you ever grounded yourself and asked “kumusta na nga ba ako?” This question may be comforting for some; unsettling for others. Nonetheless, as we venture on the process of finding answers, it is important to remember that whatever we feel is valid and that we are always heard, even if we feel otherwise.
As a way to acknowledge this, the UP Behavioral Science Society (UP BehSoc) will hold a panel discussion entitled “Mars, ‘Musta Ka Na?” on October 24, 2020, from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. The event, which will be publicly live-streamed through the UP Behavioral Science Society and Pahuway UPM Advocacy Official Facebook Pages, seeks to provide substantial knowledge and insights regarding Filipinos’ mental health situation amidst the COVID-pandemic, from the individual to the societal level.
Mental health issues and wellness will be tackled through the expertise and experience of our two speakers and one panelist. Dr. RJ Naguit, the Founder of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, Inc. and National Chairperson of Akbayan Youth, will present the different ways to cope with the stress experienced during the pandemic and remote online setting; while Professor Andrea Martinez, assistant professor at the Department of Behavioral Science in the University of the Philippines Manila and PhD Psychology candidate at King’s College London, will tackle the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health situation of most Filipinos as well as the country. Professor Diane Monsada, senior lecturer at the Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of the Philippines Manila, will be our guest panelist for the open forum. Coeli, a local singer-songwriter, cellist, music teacher, and mental health advocate, will also give a special performance and message of hope for the event’s audience.
‘Mars, “Musta Ka Na?’ aims to create an inclusive and open discussion on the country’s and one’s mental health situation, as well as ways of coping with the devastating effects of the pandemic.
To register for this event, please go to https://tinyurl.com/MMKNRegistration. This event is FREE for all and open for the general public. The pre-registration period ends on October 23, 2020 at 6:00 PM.
Alongside this, UP BehSoc has also launched a public digital archive for stories and art entitled Project Catharsis. From the title itself, it is an online platform that provides a way for everyone to express and share their thoughts and emotions during this pandemic. Submissions may be in the form of testimonials/narratives or various forms of art. Likewise, this event is FREE and open for anyone interested.
For more information about the event and project, you may follow UP Behavioral Science Society at https://www.facebook.com/UPBehSoc/ and Pahuway UPM Advocacy at https://www.facebook.com/PahuwayUPM/.
Thank you to the event’s online media partners, WhenInManila.com and Inquirer Pop.
This is co-presented by UPM-USC Health Committee and. UP Manila Peer Empowering Peers Society. This is also in partnership with the Organizational Communication Society, Cope UP, and Mental Health PH. We would also like to thank the Development Studies Society, PUP Psychology Students Association, Public Relations Student Society of the Philippines-U.P. Manila, Rotaract Club of UP Manila, The Hope Project UPM, UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity Manila, UP Biological Sciences Society, UP Dentistry Student Council, UP Manila CPH Student Council, UP Manila Junior Marketing Association, and the UP Organization for Shiftees and Transferees.
