The City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCdO) continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting student mental health and well-being through its successful participation in PeerKada Vibe: Building Healthy Connections, Nurturing Inclusive, and Supportive Spaces, a Peer Facilitators Program for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region X and Caraga held on August 5β6, 2026, at Hotel Oazis, J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City.
The two-day training aimed to develop competent and empowered peer facilitators who can foster healthy connections, promote student well-being, and provide appropriate peer support within their respective higher education institutions. The program also emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where students can access peer-led guidance and be referred to professional services when necessary.
Representing CCCdO were Dr. Faith Quinal-Colarte, RGC, the Collegeβs Guidance Counselor who led the delegation, together with student leaders Shaina Nicole Ocor, Vice President of the Peer Facilitators Circle (PFC) and a third-year Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTED) student, and Charity Nazareno, PFC President and a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BACOMM) student.
The workshop featured three comprehensive learning modules designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and sustain effective peer facilitation programs. The first day commenced with Module 1: Start of PeerKada Vibe, which introduced the foundations of peer facilitation, explored the role and responsibilities of peer facilitators, and guided participants in establishing a functional peer facilitators' group.
On the second day, participants engaged in Module 2: ExPEERience the Vibe, which featured interactive and expert-led sessions on peer training and development, mental health literacy, healthy communication, supervision, and support strategies. The program concluded with Module 3: Becoming a Peer Champ, focusing on referral pathways, mental health advocacy, partnership building, and self-care practices essential for sustaining peer support initiatives.
Through its participation in the training program, the City College of CDO reinforces its commitment to nurturing a campus community that prioritizes mental health, empowers student leaders, and strengthens peer support systems that contribute to a more inclusive, responsive, and caring educational environment.
