29/11/2025
𝐓𝐢𝐰𝐢 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬’ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩
𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘑𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘵
TIWI, Iloilo — The Peer Facilitators of the ISUFST Main Campus–Tiwi Site concluded a three-day Systemwide Peer Facilitators’ Training Camp on November 27–29, gathering student representatives from all campuses under the theme “Voices Strong, Campus Bright: Peer Helpers Unite.”
The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of peer facilitators in mental health support, communication, and leadership as part of the university’s student welfare initiatives.
The camp opened with a message from Dr. Armando S. Katalbas, Director of the Student Support Center, who commended students for their commitment to serve as abyan, or trusted companion, despite their involvement in various campus organizations.
A session on Mental Health and Self-Awareness led by University Psychologist Dr. Daniel John Arboleda followed, emphasizing self-awareness and active listening as core competencies for effective peer support.
In the evening, Prof. John Niño Crauz facilitated team-building activities that encouraged participants from different campuses to collaborate, build rapport, and strengthen inter-campus camaraderie.
The second day featured Dr. Lydia Araneta, Guidance Counselor from Dumangas Campus, who discussed Basic Facilitating Skills and underscored empathy as central to the role of peer helpers. Participants practiced facilitation techniques through seeker-helper-observer exercises.
In the afternoon, Dr. Imelda Arenga conducted a session on Communication Skills, stressing the importance of clarity, sensitivity, and confidence in both listening and expression. University Psychometrician Dwight Deslate later led a talk on professionalism and empathy, reminding facilitators that genuine kindness is demonstrated through actions.
The day concluded with small-group introspection sessions, where peer facilitators processed insights and reflected on their personal growth.
On the final day, Dr. Arenga delivered an inspirational message highlighting shared responsibility, resilience, and the value of supporting one another. Participants then offered personal reflections on how the training shaped their understanding of service and emotional well-being.
The camp ended with the synthesis of sessions by Ma. Rausell Justinn Esmeralda, Guidance Counselor of Di**le Campus, who reiterated the essential skills and values peer facilitators must uphold in supporting students’ holistic needs.
The Systemwide Peer Facilitators’ Training Camp reaffirmed ISUFST’s commitment to building a compassionate and student-centered support network, equipping peer facilitators with strengthened competencies to serve learners across all university campuses.
𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘎𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪ñ𝘢
