Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) mounted a series of seminars designed to strengthen the capability of faculty and non-teaching staff to serve as gatekeepers in suicide prevention. Titled “RACE Against Suicide,” the initiative formed part of the University’s Steps of Support (SOS) Program and was conducted on June 28, July 5, and July 26, 2024, at the OLFU Rise Tower.
The three-part seminar brought together teaching and non-teaching personnel from OLFU’s six campuses: Valenzuela City, Quezon City, Antipolo City, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna. Through the sessions, participants were provided with strategies to recognize warning signs, assess risks, encourage help-seeking, and refer students to mental health professionals.
The program acknowledges the critical role that faculty members and staff play in students’ day-to-day lives. By extending mental health literacy and practical skills to all sectors of the academic workforce, OLFU seeks to create a resilient and supportive campus environment where students feel recognized, valued, and safeguarded. Spearheading this advocacy is the University’s Center for Guidance Services (CGS), which has long championed initiatives that integrate psychosocial support into academic life.
Beyond the University scope, the program was also brought to the Department of Education (DepEd) in Nueva Ecija, where nearly 2,000 faculty members participated in seminars held on August 16 and 23, 2025. The expansion underscores the adaptability and relevance of the program outside higher education, reflecting its growing significance in supporting mental wellness across learning institutions.
The Steps of Support initiative affirms OLFU’s commitment to holistic student development by complementing academic instruction with sustained attention to overall well-being. Through structured approaches, compassionate engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the University aims to foster a culture of awareness, care, and early intervention.
Story by Dr. Ana Ocampo and Jennelie Lafrades
