Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) remains committed to fostering a supportive and responsive work environment that promotes the holistic well-being of its employees. Recognizing that mental health is an essential component of overall productivity, morale, and professional fulfillment, the University has established a range of initiatives to ensure that faculty and staff have continuous access to mental health care and resources.

EVSU actively promotes good mental health through workplace wellness programs, stress-management seminars, and awareness campaigns integrated into its institutional Health and Wellness Program. These efforts are designed to encourage open dialogues about mental health, reduce stigma, and empower staff to seek help when needed.

To ensure accessible support, the University provides free mental health services through its Guidance and Counseling Office and in coordination with professional mental health practitioners and partner organizations. Staff members are assisted through consultations, psychological first aid, and timely referrals for specialized care. Various communication channels, including campus advisories, information drives, and digital signposting, inform employees about available mental health services and how to access them promptly.

EVSU continues to reinforce its commitment to a safe and nurturing workplace by expanding support mechanisms and prioritizing the emotional resilience of its workforce. Through sustained advocacy and dedicated mental health programs, the University ensures that every staff member feels valued, supported, and capable of thriving both personally and professionally

University-Wide Zumba Wellness Program for Employee Mental and Physical Well-Being

Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) continuously upholds its responsibility to safeguard the holistic health of its employees through institutionalized wellness initiatives implemented across all campuses. One of the flagship programs under this advocacy is the University-Wide Zumba Wellness Program — a regular fitness activity that promotes both physical vitality and mental well-being among faculty and staff.

The sessions are strategically scheduled at the end of the workweek to provide employees with a healthy outlet for stress relief, relaxation, and social engagement. Each campus organizes its own sessions within accessible areas such as gymnasiums, open grounds, or multi-purpose halls, ensuring that participation remains convenient and inclusive for all personnel. Led by trained Zumba instructors and supported by campus health personnel, the program accommodates varying fitness levels, encouraging everyone — beginners and enthusiasts alike — to participate freely.

This initiative directly aligns with Civil Service Memorandum Circular No. 38, s. 1992, which mandates government institutions to promote physical and mental fitness in the workplace. The Zumba Wellness Program complements the University’s broader health promotion framework, which includes medical services, mental health support, lifestyle disease prevention, and psychosocial wellness education.

Beyond aerobic exercise, the program contributes to strengthening organizational cohesion and workplace morale. Dancing together fosters positive relationships, teamwork, and a shared culture of support and enjoyment. Participants consistently report improved mood, reduced stress levels, and increased motivation — reflecting the essential role of wellness in sustaining productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Through these sustained campus-based wellness efforts, EVSU demonstrates its firm commitment to cultivating a workplace where employees feel energized, valued, and supported in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This ongoing initiative serves as a testament to the University’s dedication to nurturing a vibrant, resilient, and health-conscious academic community.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Advocacy Through University Forum

Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the mental well-being and resilience of its academic community. In line with its mission to preserve life and promote a culture of care, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) spearheaded the launching of the University Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Core Team through a Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Forum held on February 19, 2024  at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium.

This strategic initiative aims to strengthen the University’s mental health support system by enhancing early intervention, response capacity, and awareness on issues related to emotional distress and suicide prevention. The forum emphasized the importance of recognizing personal struggles, fostering self-awareness, and seeking professional or peer assistance when needed. Participants were engaged in discussions that highlighted the warning signs of mental health concerns, available support services, and practical strategies for maintaining psychological well-being.

Through the establishment of the MHPSS Core Team, EVSU institutionalizes a proactive structure dedicated to providing immediate psychosocial care, referral assistance, and mental health education across campuses. The program aligns with national directives on suicide prevention and integrates principles from global mental health frameworks supporting student and employee welfare.

By hosting this forum and expanding its mental health advocacy, EVSU continues to nurture a safe and compassionate environment where every member of the university community is empowered to value life, reach out for support, and contribute to a stigma-free culture of understanding and care.

“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”: EVSU-Ormoc Campus Hosts Mental Health Awareness Symposium

In solidarity with the nationwide advocacy for mental health, the Eastern Visayas State University – Ormoc Campus (EVSU-OC) held a meaningful Mental Health Awareness Symposium on March 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN at the New Technology Building. The event was made possible through the support of dedicated instructors, mental health practitioners, and student leader organizations from across the university departments.

Under the theme “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” the symposium emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s struggles and embracing help when needed. Through engaging discussions and interactive icebreaker activities, participants were encouraged to foster self-acceptance, build resilience, and recognize the value of emotional expression.

The resource speakers shed light on critical topics such as the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, while highlighting the significance of early support and intervention. The key message of the event strongly resonated with the community:

“There is no HEALTH without Mental Health.”

By reinforcing that mental well-being is just as essential as one’s physical, emotional, and social health, the symposium inspired students to seek connection, break the stigma, and prioritize self-care.

EVSU-OC remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a caring and supportive campus environment — one where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered. Remember: Your struggles do not define you. Better days are ahead.