NDKC-GSSTC Joins the “Light Up Blue for Mental Health” Campaign
By: Xyriel C. Tolentino, RPm
In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2026, the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC) Guidance Services, Scholarships, and Testing Center (GSSTC) joined the nationwide “Light Up Blue for Mental Health” campaign initiated by the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) in collaboration with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA). The campaign calls on guidance and counseling offices, mental health organizations, student organizations, schools, academic institutions, professional associations, and mental health advocates across the Philippines to unite in promoting mental health awareness and support.
As part of the campaign, participants were encouraged to wear blue clothing or accessories and display a blue ribbon as a symbol of their support for mental health advocacy. The color blue represents hope, understanding, and a shared commitment to creating compassionate spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported. Through this initiative, schools, counseling offices, organizations, and mental health advocates nationwide were given an opportunity to stand together and make mental health awareness more visible in their respective communities.
At NDKC, the GSSTC spearheaded the initiative, with guidance personnel wearing blue clothing and blue ribbons to show their support. They also visited various campus offices, distributed blue ribbons to personnel, and encouraged them to wear the ribbons throughout October as a continuing expression of their commitment to mental health awareness.
The celebration was further enriched by a booth organized by the NDKC Peer Facilitators Club and the NDKC Association of Marist Psychology Students. The booth featured engaging activities, including a “Free Hugs” initiative and a reflection board, providing opportunities for members of the campus community to express themselves, reflect on their experiences, and foster meaningful connections. Through this collaboration, the participating organizations sought to encourage student engagement, promote emotional well-being, and contribute to a safer and more supportive campus environment.
NDKC-GSSTC’s participation in the campaign reaffirms the College’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing a supportive environment where students can express themselves openly, seek guidance, and prioritize their well-being. Through initiatives such as “Light Up Blue for Mental Health,” NDKC continues to foster a compassionate and inclusive campus community where mental health is openly acknowledged, understood, and valued.
