March 29, 2023

Health, Education, Education, Social Inclusion and Equity, Peace-Building and Security, Peace-Building and Security, Peace-Building and Security, Peace-Building and Security, Peace-Building and Security

Youth Peer Facilitating Group, also known as YPFG, is the first peer-led mental health organization that seeks to provide and create a safe space to all students of Filemon T. Lizan Senior High School. This organization was first introduced last October 2021 with few student pioneers of FTLSHS. Upon observation among students during the pandemic, and how they were affected and greatly influenced by the status quo, FTLSHS through the initiative of the Office of Career and Guidance Services, together with other faculty members, launched the Project Safe SPACE or Students Peer Advising through Coaching and Engagement. This project became the foundation of the said organization.\r\nThe organization aims to conduct peer-led sessions where students are grouped into units with 5-6 members each and express themselves towards their peers. This enables them to share and be open to someone they are related into—their peers. Also, YPFG seeks to conduct programs, projects, and capacity buildings to strengthen the mental health and psychosocial positions of each learner and fight against stigma concerning this area.\r\nMental health became an area of interests during the pandemic. More likely, FTLSHS students have no less affected by its influence. Thus, having this organization, given its successful implementation during its first wave in 2021, a safe and sound environment is achieved.\r\nAfter months of implementation, descriptive research has been enacted and seen promising results. According to it, students’ self-esteem, social engagement, and confidence became positive and thus provided each student a mentally and healthy well-being.