LOOK | Mindanao State University celebrates World Mental Health Day 2024 with a focus on workplace Wellness
In observance of World Mental Health Day 2024, Mindanao State University – General Santos City reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness by hosting a meaningful event dedicated to workplace wellness. Organized by the Office of the Guidance Counselor in partnership with the Department of Psychology, the activity took place on October 30, 2024, at the CETD Audio Visual Room. With this year’s theme—“It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”—the event aimed to empower the university’s faculty and staff with knowledge, strategies, and practical tools to nurture a mentally healthy work environment. Selected faculty members attended the morning session, while administrative staff joined in the afternoon, ensuring focused, relevant discussions for each group. The program began with opening remarks from Ms. Hania-Persia F. Usman, RPM, Coordinator of the Office of Guidance Counseling. In her message, Ms. Usman highlighted MSU-GenSan’s unwavering commitment to mental well-being, emphasizing the university’s responsibility to create safe, supportive, and mental-health-friendly spaces for all employees. “Our faculty, staff, and every single person working for a living deserve a safe, mental-health-friendly space,” she noted, underscoring the importance of fostering opportunities that promote mental health on campus. The first learning session was led by Prof. Luz Doce, MA, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, with her presentation titled “Boosting Workplace Wellness: Strategies for Employee Mental Health.” This session provided valuable insights on proactive approaches to cultivating a healthy work environment, encouraging participants to prioritize their own mental well-being and to recognize signs of stress among colleagues. Following a short health break, Prof. Renz Anthony Sumapal, MS, RPSY, also from the Department of Psychology, delivered “Empowering Teachers’ Mental Health and Well-Being Strategies.” His session offered faculty and staff targeted techniques for managing workplace stress, building resilience, and maintaining emotional balance, reinforcing the importance of self-care in professional life. Prof. Doce returned to conclude both sessions with closing remarks, urging participants to continue the dialogue on mental health beyond the day’s event. “The conversations we’ve started today must continue,” she stated. “By speaking openly about our experiences and challenges, we create a supportive community where everyone is heard and valued.” She also stressed the importance of dismantling the stigma around mental health, reminding attendees that a supportive workplace environment benefits the entire MSU community. The event ended with a strong sense of unity, solidarity, and shared commitment among faculty and staff to champion mental health awareness. It reflected MSU-GenSan’s ongoing dedication to fostering a supportive, resilient, and mentally healthy environment for all members of the university community.
MSU-General Santos Water Analytical Laboratory Wins 2024 Regional Health Facility Star Award for Drinking Water Analysis
Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-Gensan) proudly celebrates another milestone in research excellence and public health service as its Water Analytical Laboratory and Research Center (MSU-GSC WALRC) clinched the 2024 Regional Health Facility Star Award for Drinking Water Analysis Laboratory. The award was conferred during the Department of Health Region 12 (DOH-12) Pugay Pangkalusugan 2024 Regional Awards held on October 3, 2024, at Paraiso Verde Resorts in Koronadal City. MSU-GSC WALRC emerged as the top-performing laboratory for drinking water analysis among dozens of facilities across the region, following the results of DOH’s rigorous annual monitoring visit conducted earlier this year. Representing the university at the awards ceremony were Center Head Edward R. Lapong, PhD, and the laboratory’s Clinical Pathologist and Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Edwin Alconcel. Along with the plaque of recognition, the laboratory received an office printer and a box of book paper, symbolizing practical support for its ongoing operations. Despite being in operation for just over two years, MSU-GSC WALRC has established itself as a leading facility in microbiological analysis of drinking water, maintaining top-tier laboratory standards and demonstrating excellent facility management. Its success reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to public health, research excellence, and community service. The laboratory was inaugurated on June 21, 2022, and is accredited as a Category A DOH Laboratory for Drinking Water Analysis (Microbiological Analysis). As a vital university support facility for research, extension, and public service provision, its establishment was formally recognized through MSU System Board of Regents Resolution 206, Series of 2022. MSU-Gensan’s Water Analytical Laboratory was made possible through a ₱6.5 million donation from the General Santos City Water District (GSCWD). This partnership grew out of the university’s robust research initiatives on water resources development and related projects led by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture. Today, MSU-GSC WALRC stands as a testament to the university’s role in safeguarding public health, advancing research-driven solutions, and delivering high-quality, science-based services to the broader community. Its state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous analysis protocols ensure that communities in General Santos City and the SOCCSKSARGEN region have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water. Mindanao State University – General Santos City extends its heartfelt congratulations to the entire WALRC team, the College of Medicine, and all partners who have contributed to this remarkable achievement. The university remains committed to excellence in research, public service, and the continuous advancement of health and environmental standards for the benefit of all.
MSU GENSAN : Job Fair 2024: Anchoring to the Shore of Golden Opportunities in the Workforce
MSU GenSan Job Fair 2024: Anchoring to the Shore of Golden Opportunities in the Workforce On June 24, 2024, Mindanao State University – General Santos City successfully held the Job Fair 2024: Anchoring to the Shore of Golden Opportunities in the Workforce at the KCC Convention and Events Center. This transformative full-day event was designed to bridge the gap between academic training and the world of work, guiding MSU GenSan graduates—fondly called Naraniags—toward promising career pathways. The Job Fair gathered a diverse range of local and national employers, government agencies, and industry partners, providing participants with direct access to job openings, application opportunities, and career coaching. Through on-the-spot interviews, networking sessions, and company presentations, graduating students and alumni were able to explore career options, build professional connections, and better understand employer expectations in today’s competitive job market. Beyond recruitment, the event also offered capacity-building sessions that focused on resume writing, interview skills, and workplace readiness. These sessions aimed to empower graduates with the tools and confidence needed to navigate their transition from university life to professional success. The Job Fair is part of MSU GenSan’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). By fostering partnerships between academia and industry, MSU GenSan reaffirms its role in shaping graduates who are not only competent but also ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader workforce. Here’s to illuminating the future for Batch Naraniag—may this event be a beacon guiding them toward golden opportunities and lifelong success.
