Project Aytalakad’s Culturally Relevant Guidance and Counseling Seminar/Workshop Component formally launched the World Health Organization’s Self-Help Plus (SH+) Program on November 24, 2025, in Sitio Manabayukan, Capas, Tarlac. The five-day initiative equips the Aeta Mag-Anchi community with practical, evidence-based strategies to manage stress, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen resilience through an approach that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and community-centered.
Designed as a scalable stress-management course for large groups, the WHO SH+ Program aims to reduce the burden of stress-related conditions and support psychological well-being, especially in low-resource or crisis-affected communities.
Under Project Aytalakad, the program is localized to ensure cultural sensitivity, respect for indigenous identity, and relevance to the lived experiences of the Aeta Mag-Anchi. As part of the project’s stepped-care framework, the initiative addresses the growing need for accessible, inclusive, and sustainable mental-health support in underserved settings.
The sessions are led by Component Head Mr. Daniel T. Dizon, Overall Project Head Dr. Francelle L. Calub, U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Mr. Vish Juvvadi, and faculty extensionists from the Department of Psychology and Human Services—Dr. Niña Valentin and Dr. Marie Paz Angeles. Psychology student volunteers also supported the implementation, creating a learning environment rooted in trust and collaboration.
During the opening session, community members were notably open and engaged, sharing reflections, participating actively in discussions, and responding warmly to the activities. Session One focused on understanding stress and developing grounding skills.
Ms. Anna Santiago introduced the basics of stress management, explaining how manageable levels of stress may be helpful, but prolonged exposure can affect physical and emotional health. Ms. Leana Andreigh Gabiya followed with a discussion on thoughts and emotions, highlighting how worries, painful memories, and self-judgment can “hook” individuals and disrupt attention and well-being.
Ms. Ellysa Marie Lorenzo then facilitated an exercise on “paying curious attention,” encouraging participants to observe sensations, thoughts, and feelings without judgment. Building on this, Ms. Krizza Dela Cruz addressed managing emotional storms—such as sadness, anger, fear, guilt, and regret—and their impact on behavior and relationships.
Ms. Sophia Vianca Lusong presented grounding techniques to help participants remain present and emotionally regulated during distress, emphasizing grounding as a culturally adaptable skill that helps individuals reconnect with their surroundings and acknowledge that emotional difficulties, like storms, eventually pass.
The session concluded with reflection led by Ms. Alexanndra Santiago, who encouraged participants to see their willingness to confront stress and fear as a significant step toward healing, empowerment, and self-awareness.
As the program continues, the succeeding sessions will further deepen participants’ knowledge and skills in stress management and emotional self-care. Through this initiative, Project Aytalakad affirms its commitment to inclusive, culturally grounded guidance and counseling that empowers the Aeta Mag-Antsi community and promotes mental health and resilience in Sitio Manabayukan.
Photos by Mr. VIsh Juvaddi
