Mental Health Month 2021

"Kumusta ka?"

 More than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we find ourselves in a familiar place, still trying to cope with the myriad of changes that reverberated throughout our country and the world. In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month this October, the Phi Alpha Sigma Sorority proudly presents, "MHAM 2021: Kumustahan", a series of publication materials featuring members of various organizations and sectors of the UERM community. Get a glimpse of how people, not so different from us, have fought during these trying times. 

For the first week of release, we delved into the stories of medical students from our very own institution. Sharing their insights are the MSC EVP, Earl Dumago from 2024A and the Phi Alpha Sigma Sorority's MEDA, Trina Cruz from 2023A, who shed light on their personal experiences in the hopes of inspiring others who may be struggling in silence.

For our second release, we peered into the minds of our esteemed faculty and found out how it's been in their shoes. Generously sharing their stories are Dr. Raffy Valenzuela from the Department of Medical Humanities, and Dra. Pia Jerez-Bagain from the Department of Pharmacology (and the Year 2 batch coordinator!).

For our third release, we took a look at insights from beloved members of the UERM community and workforce: Kuya Rene Sabrido, one of our security officers in the UERM hospital, and Ate Emy Hernandez, lovingly called "Ate Ems" by mainstays of her store outside school.

For our last day of MHAM, we got a glimpse at mental health from the perspective of prominent advocate, Dra. Gia Sison. See how mental health has transformed thus far, and what we must aim for in the long run.