USM Department of Psychology

02/10/2025

𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭!

Last September 24–25, 2025, the licensure examinations for Psychometricians and Psychologists were administered nationwide. Today, the Professional Regulation Commission has officially released the results, and the Department of Psychology proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of its graduates, who garnered 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, and an overall 𝟴𝟵.𝟮𝟵% 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲—surpassing the 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 of 𝟴𝟲.𝟵𝟵%.

This success stands as a testament to the department’s unwavering commitment to quality education, guided mentorship, and a holistic approach in preparing students for the profession. It also reflects the perseverance, resilience, and dedication of our graduates, who carry with them not only knowledge and skills but also the heart to serve society.

The Department of Psychology extends its warmest congratulations to all our successful examinees. Your accomplishment is a source of pride and inspiration—not only for your peers but also for the students who follow in your footsteps, proving that with passion and dedication, excellence is always within reach.

✍️: Department of Psychology
💻: Aisa Dalam

01/10/2025

To honor the invaluable contributions of civil servants to nation-building, the Department of Psychology joined the celebration of the 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲’𝘀 𝟭𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼.

We take pride in congratulating two of our esteemed faculty members—𝗞𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗕. 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗼, 𝗣𝗵𝗗𝗰, 𝗥𝗣𝘀𝘆, 𝗖𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗣, 𝗖𝗦𝗔𝗣, and 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗮 𝗢𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗸-𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗵, 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗧, 𝗠𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵, 𝗥𝗣𝗺, 𝗟𝗣𝗧, 𝗣𝗵𝗗𝗰—for being conferred the Silver Kakaw Award. This recognition, given for 15 years of dedicated government service, is a testament to their loyalty, commitment, and tireless efforts in inspiring and nurturing brilliant minds.

✍️: Department of Psychology
💻: CJ Bobadilla

26/09/2025

The Department of Psychology proudly congratulates 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝗧. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆, 𝗥𝗣𝘀𝘆, 𝗥𝗣𝗺, for successfully passing the Psychologist Licensure Examination held last September 24–25, 2025.

This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the discipline of psychology. Beyond being a personal milestone, it serves as an inspiration to your colleagues, mentors, and students who look up to your example.

As you embark on this new chapter, may you continue to embody the values of the profession, make a meaningful difference in the lives you touch, and remain steadfast in your pursuit of service and excellence.

The Department shares in your pride and joy as we celebrate this outstanding accomplishment with you.

✍️: Department of Psychology
🧑‍💻: Marielle Pedroso

21/06/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞’𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬!

The Department of Psychology proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗩. 𝗟𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲, 𝗥𝗣𝘀𝘆, 𝗥𝗣𝗺, who earned her 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆. Her degree was officially conferred during the University’s 112th Commencement Exercises on May 18, 2025.

Dr. Llorente began her doctoral journey in 2021 and is now a proud member of Class 2025. She was a recipient of the 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀’ 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗦𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗣), a prestigious grant awarded by CHED. She is expected to return this August to continue serving the department and further enrich the field with her academic and clinical expertise.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Dr. Llorente is widely respected for her role as a mentor, her evidence-based teaching strategies, and her commitment to research excellence.

The Department of Psychology is honored to celebrate this remarkable milestone with Dr. Llorente. Congratulations, and we eagerly look forward to your return!

✍️: Department of Psychology
👩‍💻: Catherine L. Fullo

26/01/2025

30/11/2024

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 - 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨

Youths of today have poorer psychological well-being than in the past decades. According to the University of the Philippine Population Institute (UPPI) (2022), an alarming increase of 7.5% of Filipino youth attempted su***de, from 3% in 2013. Moreover, six out of 10 of these attempts did not seek help from anyone, and only 1 out of 10 is aware of any su***de prevention program or service (UPPI, 2022). This reflects the need to intensify efforts geared toward mental health awareness and interventions to the youth.

To provide basic mental health education among the youth, the University of Southern Mindanao – Department of Psychology took the initiative to spearhead an extension program aimed at minimizing this challenge.

The extension program commenced on November 8, 2024, specifically targeting youths from high schools within the locality of Kabacan. The program focused on the delivery of psychoeducation regarding depression, anxiety, and stress among the target participants from the University of Southern Mindanao – University Laboratory School, Kabacan National High School, and Gil Manalo B. High School. This was made possible through the efforts of the faculty members from the Department of Psychology:𝘒𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘺 𝘉. 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘢-𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰, 𝘔𝘚𝘗𝘚𝘺, 𝘙𝘗𝘴𝘺, 𝘊𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘗, 𝘊𝘚𝘈𝘗, 𝘔𝘺𝘬𝘢 𝘐𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘗. 𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢, 𝘔𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩, 𝘙𝘗𝘴𝘺, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘢 𝘛. 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘺, 𝘔𝘚𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘻 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘊. 𝘈𝘮𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘕. 𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘊𝘏𝘙𝘈, 𝘑𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘈𝘯𝘯 𝘎. 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘡𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘉. 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘯, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘙𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘥 𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘳 𝘔. 𝘈𝘭𝘪, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦 𝘋. 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘰, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘊𝘏𝘙𝘈, 𝘠𝘶𝘮𝘪 𝘗. 𝘐𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯, 𝘙𝘗𝘮, 𝘌𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘭 𝘑𝘰 𝘍. 𝘓𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘰, 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘋𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘉. 𝘎𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘺𝘢, and the assistance of the fourth year AB Psychology students. The faculty members successfully equipped the high school students on mental health and what they can do to help not only themselves but also those around them.

Mental well-being should not be addressed only through personal efforts, but also through a collective initiative aimed at raising awareness and delivery of evidence-based strategies to help prevent and intervene in times of crisis. This extension program is just another step in minimizing this alarming increase of suicidal attempts among youth, and in helping them develop skills to cope.

✍️: Yumi P. Ilagan and Archie D. Cordero
📷: Catherine Fullo

01/09/2024

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡
;
This September, let’s take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of mental health and the importance of our collective support. This month is dedicated to remembering those we’ve lost, acknowledging the countless lives affected by suicidal thoughts, and standing united with individuals, families, and communities who have been touched by this issue.

"Every conversation matters and every tender act of kindness can create ripples of hope". Reach out to someone you care about, listen with compassion, and offer support. By breaking the stigma around mental health and fostering an environment of understanding, we can help save lives and support those in need. Let’s work together to spread hope, promote healing, and ensure no one feels alone. Your empathy and actions are powerful tools in preventing su***de and supporting mental wellness. 🎗💙

Let’s remind ourselves to be kind not just to ourselves but to everyone around us.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲; 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲

𝗔𝗣𝗦 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿; 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴! Ψ





✍🏻: Solvi May Lallen

30/08/2024

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐮𝐬! 🎉

We are excited to announce that our accomplished alumnus, 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧, and dedicated faculty member, 𝐊𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚, have published a groundbreaking research paper in the 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Vol 13, No 3, 2024, E-ISSN 2460-8467)! 📚✨

Their paper, titled “𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬: 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲,” delves into the lives of unmarried elderly individuals in Southern Mindanao. The study uncovers how their positive thoughts, feelings, triumphs, and aspirations contribute to their psychological well-being, despite defying social norms. Through in-depth interviews and thorough analysis, the research highlights themes such as self-actualization, life accomplishments, and the balance between predetermination and self-determination that guide their meaningful lives.

We are incredibly proud of this significant contribution to both the academic community and the understanding of an often overlooked population. Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement! 🥳👏

Read their paper here:
https://journal.uad.ac.id/index.php/Psychology/article/download/28582/pdf_305




✍️👩🏻‍💻: ZWBL

29/08/2024

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟕-𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.
𝐀𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐏 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐁 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The AB Psychology program at the University of Southern Mindanao recently underwent a comprehensive three-day 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝟒, 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟏 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). This crucial evaluation period allowed the Department of Psychology to affirm its commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.

The AACCUP Accreditation Team, led by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐓. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐳 from Rizal Technological University, included 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐓. 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 from Marinduque State College and 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐯𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐂. 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐚 from the University of Northern Philippines. The team meticulously assessed the program across ten key areas: faculty, curriculum and instruction, support to students, research, extension and community involvement, library, physical plant and facilities, laboratories, and administration.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our accreditation task force, led by Department Chairperson 𝐌𝐲𝐤𝐚 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐏. 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 and composed of faculty members 𝐊𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚, 𝐙𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐧, 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐳 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚, 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐢, 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐲𝐚, 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐨, 𝐘𝐮𝐦𝐢 𝐈𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧, and 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐉𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨.

Our sincere thanks go to our faculty members on study leave, 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐡 and 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞, as well as our newly-retired colleague 𝐘𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧, for their invaluable assistance and guidance during this process.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, under the leadership of 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐀. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧, for their unwavering support. Special recognition is also due to the 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 (𝐀𝐏𝐒) for their significant contributions.

We are grateful to the 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐔𝐐𝐀𝐂) team, led by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐔. 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞, for their support throughout this process.

We are also deeply appreciative of the support provided by the university leadership, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨 𝐆𝐢𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚.

As we await the results, the Department of Psychology remains committed to continuous improvement and the pursuit of academic excellence.




✍️: ZWBL