With the theme, "Finding Peace in Noise: Understanding Stress & Finding Ways to Cope," the CEIS Malolos Guidance, Counseling and Testing Office successfully held a webinar on November 5, 2022, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. 

Dr. Teresa R. Perez, CEIS’ Vice President, officially commenced the webinar with her opening remarks. This was followed by CEIS’ Guidance Coordinator, Ms. Maria Lea Nievera’s introduction to the guest speaker, Mr. Justine Mark V. Bernabe RPm, Guidance Head and Student Services Director at St. Dominic Academy of Pulilan, Inc., and a psychometrician at Abundo Psychological Clinic. 

Mr. Bernabe enlightens the audience about what stress actually is at the beginning of the talk. He discussed that stress is always present, and it is a human reaction that might be physical, mental, and emotional. “The human body is built to experience it,” he continued.

“Stress can cause mental health problems, while mental health problems can cause stress,” Mr. Bernabe stated while emphasizing the deeper meaning of stress.

In the second half of the webinar, he discussed various types of stress, such as acute stress, episodic stress, and chronic stress. Additionally, he noted that one of the most typical sources of stress is people's constant need to exert control over everything, which leaves them with high expectations.

He also presented the common effects of stress on our bodies, mood, and behavior. Afterward, he showed a video that demonstrated how our body, especially the stomach, can be greatly affected by it. 

He then offered tips on how to deal with stress and what common errors individuals make when they're under pressure, like drinking alcohol and doing other things. He claimed that doing so would simply worsen the situation.

“It’s always better to cry than to keep it to yourself,” Mr. Bernabe added. 

The webinar concluded as Ms. Issa Lorraine Ballena, CEIS Malolos' Guidance, Counseling and Testing Office Staff, officially opened the floor for questions regarding the topic. 

Some queries are from the Microsoft Forms that were signed by the students before the event, while others are sent via private message during the webinar. 

Thereafter, Mr. Bernabe received a virtual certificate of appreciation for sharing his knowledge and experience as a webinar guest speaker. The involvement of the students, teachers, administrators, and parents also made the event possible.

The webinar officially ended with the final remarks of Ms. Abigail Espineda, CEIS’ principal, followed by the singing of the Centro Escolar University Hymn.