The Medici di Makati College (formerly Makati Medical College), held its Mental Health Day on March 18, 2026, with the theme “Behind the Classroom Door: Mental Health Challenges in School.”
Medici College may be a small institution, but it is deeply committed to student well-being. There is a clear advantage to being in a smaller school campus — students feel more at home, and professors are able to connect with them on a more personal level. Mas tutok. This nurturing environment supports their current programs in Nursing, Psychology, Physical Therapy, and Master of Psychology.
I was honored to be invited as a guest speaker. The school discovered my personal advocacy, HUKAB (Humandidad Kontra Abuso), which led to this meaningful opportunity.
Grateful to have been part of a conversation that continues to break the silence around mental health in schools.
When the Student Council President, Faith Denise Ubaldo, told me over the phone, that the program starts at 1:35 but Filipino time, napaisip ako. Shall I go there at 2 pm instead? But I didn’t want to do that so I arrived at 1 pm. Ayun na nga, Filipino time. Naglunch pa ang mga estudyante, yung iba meron pang mga klase. We started at past 2:30 pm.
It was my first time to speak in front of a young audience about Sexual Abuse. Fifty four students registered and maybe a few more came, so we had a total of around 60 persons who attended which was ideal.
They were very attentive. I noticed one girl falling asleep. i can’t blame her. Masarap matulog pag alas tres ng tanghali. Toward the end of our kwentuhan, I noticed several who were discretely wiping their tears.
One appeared to be sobbing.
Sexual Abuse is a serious topic. I try to make it lighter by not lecturing, by making kwento only.
I tell my audience real life stories, which is a more powerful reminder and awareness rather than powerpoint presentations. Kwentuhan lang mas makaka-relate sila.
After my presentation and real life stories, no one wanted to share, unlike in our recent session in Barangay San Andres. It was understandable. Ang mga bata mas merong inhibitions. Syempre mahihiya sila.
Before leaving the building, I made a quick trip to the ladies restroom. Hindi sya naging quick. Napatagal, tila 30 minutes ang inabot.
A very pretty and young teen, 18, approached me with a very soft voice. At first I couldn’t understand what she was saying. It was noisy outside and her voice was drowning from the noise. I moved closer to her. I realized what she was telling me. She was around 7 when she first encountered this type of things inside their own home. And what I am worried about was when she confided that her uncle has been making advances on her. Touching her thigh, her tummy, her waist. Sniffing her shoulders and arms. Kissing her cheek.
Those were super bloody red flags. There were many details and circumstances of her life that makes me worry for her. She lacks the support system because her parents are separated.
I advised her to be strong even if she thinks she’s not. I encouraged her to stand up against her uncle’s obvious acts of malice and evil intention.
Ang higpit ng yakap nya sa akin nung paalis na ako. She sobbed on my right shoulder. I reminded her daw of her lola. I whispered to her “you have to be strong, don’t be afraid.”
I would encourage her to learn self defense. YAHHHHH! KARATE HERE KARATE THERE.
A number of students there have experienced some form of sexual harassment and other abuse.
Warning: Most molestations happen inside homes and committed by a relative or someone known to you.
Because we are such religious beings, we take forgiveness seriously. Lagi nating sinasabi forgive forgive forgive. But where is the accountability? Forgive lang? Ganun lang yun? Dapat may parusa. Those pedophiles will continue what they’re doing if not caught and jailed.
Special thanks to the following:
Dr. Emmanuel Candido Santos II, Chief Executive Officer
Dean Ganimede L. Joya, Dean, College of Nursing
Ann P. Orejudos, RN, MAN, Student Council Adviser
Maria Jinky M. Rosuello, Program Head, Psychology Department
Faith Denise P. Ubaldo, Student Council President
Gilmarie Lourdes S. Pacamarra, Student Council Psychology Representative
MEDICI DI MAKATI COLLEGE
1061 Metropolitan Avenue, San Antonio Village, Makati City
