APSA Psyche Publication

19/05/2026

POV: ME RUNNING TO THE FINAL EXAMINATION ROOM NA WALANG TULOG, WALANG KAIN, AT SABOG-SABOG ANG UTAK

What’s up, Sikolohistas! Finals week is finally here — the season of midnight review sessions, mental breakdowns, and surviving on pure caffeine, stock knowledge, and prayers. This is our final push for the semester, where every question feels like a battle between passing, surviving, and keeping our sanity intact.

But despite the pressure, puyat, and panic moments, what matters most is that we’re all trying our best to make it through one exam at a time — or should we say, ONE STEP AT A TIME.

Good luck, Sikolohistas! Idaan na lang sa kanta ang mga kailangan aralin and may the odds, random guesses, and last-minute reviews be ever in your favor.

🖋: Lianne Gerona
🎥: Jonnel Alvarez
👥: Louis Marion Adoptante, Xandra Mae Adelantad, Ellaiza Basa, Lianne Gerona

11/05/2026

𝐏𝐒𝐘𝐂𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 | 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁

A mother losing a child. A best friend goes through the wheel of emotions of going through a breakup. A brother trapped under the looming shadow of a failing grade. Drowning through the deep waters of endless struggles every day, how do we swim back to the shore of peace?

There isn’t a single way to unpack the vast ocean of human struggles. A different struggle requires a specific comfort recipe that best suits its nature. Sometimes, there is no solution at all. It is important to note, however, that comforting someone doesn’t always mean having the solutions to their problems. Sometimes, it merely means helping them understand the complexity of a situation, to be an anchor that holds them steady when their knees and hearts give out, the pillow for their weeping, or the quiet hum of the night who allows them to simply exist within the darkness, no prying eyes and piercing mouths that only ever further clouds their mind.

To navigate the intricate complexity of dealing with unexpected or unfortunate situations, let us take a look at the Four States of Distress Model:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

When a friend experiences the initial crash, the shock, of an unfortunate situation, they are often gasping for air. At this stage, do not try to pull them to the horizon of "fixing it." Stay on the shore, ready to reach out amidst the waves.

In a study by Nicola et al. (2022), it was stressed that validation serves as social acceptance and emotional support. To properly express pain-validation, it must include: belief that the pain experienced is true, acceptability of the pain, and properly communicating this belief and acceptability. Instead of offering solutions, we express concern and validation, allowing them to truly process their emotions before taking action.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳: 𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

As they start to ride the harsh waves amidst the storm, denial and disbelief will soon follow. Allow them to express themselves fully. Let them soak in the sadness. Listen actively and make yourself a space where they can feel secure about being vulnerable. These feelings are heavy, but sometimes necessary.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀

When your friend keeps gasping for air, unable to find their rhythm, but genuinely wants to feel better, you can slowly help them get back on their feet by slowly motivating them little by little. Take them on a date for a little distraction. Research by Leslie-Miller et al. (2023) and Waugh et al. (2020) has shown that positive distraction in daily activities is an effective coping behavior, especially when faced with uncontrollable stressors. As you spend more time having fun, emotional regulation will start to feel manageable, allowing someone more psychological space for resolution.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀

Lastly, when a friend finds the sea settling and starts expressing the want to solve their problems, actively listen to their proposed solutions. You can also help in brainstorming different ways to go about a situation. Offer genuine advice and express your willingness to support them in any way. By actively listening to their proposed solutions first, you express trust in their independence and self-efficacy. This motivation encourages them to move forward with a proactive and positive attitude.

There isn’t a universal model for comfort. We go through different struggles every day and thus, there is no singular path that leads to the solutions we hope to find. Although having to navigate this world alone is challenging, it is also through these situations that we learn how to love and show up for each other better — by learning empathy and understanding, by knowing that everyone is living a life that is just as hard and complex as ours. It is important to treat everyone with kindness. To hold space for the quiet struggles that are hidden between casual conversations and everyday routines. Through kindness, we create a space that’s comfortable and empowering, not only for others, but also for the unspoken battles we are constantly fighting.

🖋: Faith Joson
🎨: Chelsea San Buenaventura

08/05/2026

05/05/2026

𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 | 𝑨 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔: 𝑨𝑷𝑺𝑨 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝑶𝒂𝒕𝒉-𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔

The Association of Psychology Students in Ateneo (APSA), through its Commission on Elections (COMELEC), formally welcomed its newly elected officers for the Academic Year 2026–2027 through an oath-taking ceremony held on May 4, 2026, at the Arrupe Psychology Laboratory.

The event brought together the outgoing and incoming leaders of the organization. Leading the previous administration was outgoing President Juliana Eunice Fuentes, and alongside is the APSA COMELEC headed by Sofia Broso. Members of the Psychology Department faculty were also in attendance.

At the heart of the ceremony was the oath-taking proper, where the newly elected officers formally pledged their commitment to uphold the values and responsibilities entrusted to them. More than a ceremonial rite, the moment stood as a declaration of accountability—to the organization, to its members, and to the APSA community.

In her message of gratitude, newly elected APSA President Andrea Escorel expressed her thanks to the APSA community for the trust placed in her and her fellow officers. She acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leadership and affirmed their collective resolve to not leave with any promises but rather serve what is needed by APSA.

The ceremony also honored the outgoing officers, whose term helped shape the organization’s direction and spirit. In her closing remarks, Ms. Eunice Fuentes reflected on the principles that defined her experience within the APSA as a leader—love, service, and the essence of being a psychology student grounded in compassion and empathy. Her words served not only as a farewell but as a guiding reminder for those who now take on the mantle of leadership.

As APSA steps into a new academic year, the new set of officers will be taking over the role of leading and becoming the voice of APSA, and assuming the duties of being part of the APSA Council.

🖋️: Ellaiza Basa
📷: Kristine Obrero

01/05/2026

𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐘 | 𝓞 𝓫𝓾𝔀𝓪𝓷 𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓪𝔂𝓸… 💐

Mga bulaklak ay mamumukadkad,
Pag-asa sa puso ay sisibol at yayabong agad. 💖
Tayo ay muling lalakad,
Patungo sa bukas na puno ng liwanag. ✨️

O buwan ng mayo, nawa’y mga mithi’y ‘di mapalayo. 🌻☘️

🖋: Fauna Patasin
🎨: Chelsea San Buenaventura

01/05/2026

𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐏?

Every first day of May marks Labor Day in the Philippines, a day meant to honor Filipino workers whose labor serves as the force that feeds, builds, teaches, heals, and moves this nation forward. Yet even in a day set aside for this recognition, many of them continue to be unheard, undervalued, and left struggling under conditions that do not reflect the importance of their work.

For a moment, the nation appears united in recognition. But as the day passes, so too does the attention. What remains is a reality far removed from celebration.

Workers return not to dignity, but to the same conditions they cannot afford to leave behind. Low wages that fail to keep up with rising costs. Low paying jobs and long hours of labor that still leaves families one crisis away from collapse.

These conditions reveal a system that depends on them but only praises their work while ignoring the struggles they face. In a society built by their hands, who should these workers depend on when the same system they sustain fails to protect them?

𝘼𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚

The burden of labor is not confined to one sector. It extends across sectors that keep the country running day by day.

For farmers, the struggle begins with land itself. Their concern remains tied to persisting cases of land grabbing and displacement of agricultural communities. While agrarian reform continues to distribute land titles across regions, land ownership remains uncertain as disputes and irregularities continue to surface despite these efforts, leaving farmers and their families vulnerable and uncertain over their right to the land they cultivate (Philippine News Agency, 2026).

In provinces such as Camarines Sur, groups of farmers have also condemned cases of displacement where farmers are driven away from lands they have cultivated for years due to land conversion pressures and contested ownership, leaving many without stable livelihood (Ang Bayan, 2026).

For transport workers, especially jeepney drivers, the oil crisis has turned daily operations into a struggle for survival. Drivers report losing around ₱400 a day as rising fuel prices consume a large portion of their already limited earnings, with government subsidies described as insufficient to offset the continuing losses. They describe going home with barely enough to provide for their families as a very difficult reality, with incomes falling so low that some have been forced to stop operating altogether (Inquirer.net, 2026).

Across hospitals, nurses and healthcare workers remain overworked and underpaid, many seeking opportunities abroad due to insufficient compensation and support within the country.

For educators both in public and private institutions, financial support and working conditions remain a continuing concern. Public school teachers are faced with heavy workloads and administrative demands, yet are given limited resources that affect their teaching quality and well-being (Philippine News Agency, 2024). Private school teachers, as raised by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), also struggle with low income that affects both their teaching quality and their ability to support their families, often forcing them to stretch their salaries to meet basic needs (Tribune.net.ph, 2026).

𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙇𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

What binds these sectors together is not their contribution, but a common pattern of their vulnerability to systems that prioritize efficiency, profit, and convenience over the people who keep them running.

Recognition has been given. The calendar and list of holidays in the Philippines even has a day for it. But it has not been close enough to change their reality.

For many workers, even a day set aside to honor them does not stop the reality they face, because the hardships remain and they are left with no option but to endure them in order to survive.

Farmers remain uncertain over their land rights and livelihood. Jeepney drivers continue to bear the weight of rising costs against shrinking income in the midst of an oil crisis. Healthcare workers remain overworked and under-resourced which forces them to seek opportunities abroad. Teachers carry the burden of educating the nation while struggling with inadequate support.

To honor labor is not simply to recognize and acknowledge it— it is to defend it.

Because when the hands that feed us are forced to fight for land, when the hands that move us struggle to survive the day’s wage, and when the hands that care, teach, and build are stretched beyond their limits, we must ask, to whom do the hands that feed us weep, and who truly listens when they do?

References:

Ang Bayan. (2026). Peasants condemn land grabbing in Camarines Sur. https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/peasants-condemn-land-grabbing-in-camarines-sur/

Inquirer.net. (2026). Group: Jeepney drivers losing ₱400 a day; subsidy won’t suffice. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2193918/group-jeepney-drivers-losing-p400-a-day-subsidy-wont-suffice/amp

Philippine News Agency. (2026). Land reform and agrarian concerns in the Philippines. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272900

Philippine News Agency. (2024). Addressing challenges for public school teachers. https://www.pna.gov.ph/opinion/pieces/917-addressing-challenges-for-public-school-teachers

Tribune.net.ph. (2026). ACT calls current support insufficient for private educators. https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2026/04/03/act-calls-current-support-insufficient-for-private-educators

🖋: Mary Alliah Aquino
🎨: Christelle De Vera

01/05/2026

‎𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 | 𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗔 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
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‎The APSA Commission on Elections (ComElec) officially releases the results of the General Elections 2026 on Thursday, April 30, following the completion of vote counting and verification.
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‎The elections, held to determine the next set of student leaders, reflect the active participation of the APSA body in the democratic process.
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‎🎨: Reia Shelley Malonda and Shawn Laurence Gatacelo
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‎Source:
‎https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BFTE34SK8/
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29/04/2026

𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 | Facilitated by the APSA Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the counting of votes is now in progress starting with the tally of votes for the first year student voters held at the Psychology Laboratory on Wednesday, April 29.

This marks a crucial step in determining the next set of APSA officers. This process is conducted with transparency and accuracy to ensure that every vote is properly accounted for.

In a while, we will witness the outcome of how our voices will eventually shape the future of the APSA Community.

Stay tuned for updates.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 — 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆.

29/04/2026

𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 | 𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃

The voting period for the APSA General Elections 2026 has officially ended.

Psychology students have casted their votes today at the Multipurpose Room, 3F O’Brien Library, taking part in the selection of the next set of APSA leaders who will serve the organization for the upcoming academic year.

Stay tuned for further updates and the official announcement of election results.

🖋️: Ellaiza Basa
🖼️: Noel Joshua Abay

29/04/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | The APSA Comission on Election (ComElec) conducts the live counting of votes for the next set of APSA Officers on Wednesday, April 29, at the Psychology Laboratory.