HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE
Sta. Ana Avenue, Poblacion District, Davao City
ACTIVITY DESIGN
I. Title of the Seminar:
“Mind Matters: A Seminar on Empowering Youth for Stronger Mental Health”
II. Date and Venue
The activity will be held on April 26, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the
Audio-Visual Room of Holy Cross of Davao College, Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao
City.
III. Participants
The participants of the seminar will include Social Work students from the 1st to
3rd year levels, faculty members of Holy Cross of Davao College, along with the
training team.
Below is the breakdown of participants of the activity:
Target Participant Quantity Total
1 year Social Work Students
st
10 10
2nd year Social Work Students 15 15
3rd year Social Work Students 15 15
Faculty members 3 3
Training Team 7 7
Grand Total 50
IV. Rationale
Mental health is a growing concern among the youth in the Philippines, with increasing
cases of anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. According to the 2021
Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5) conducted by the University of the
Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), 17% of Filipino youth aged 15-24 have
experienced suicidal thoughts, and 7% have attempted suicide. Furthermore, data from
the Department of Health (DOH) reveal that one in five Filipino youth suffers from a
mental health condition, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
Recognizing this critical issue, the Philippine government has enacted laws and policies
to support mental health initiatives. The Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036),
signed into law in 2018, ensures accessible and affordable mental health services while
promoting awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues. Additionally, the
Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313) and the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic
Act No. 10627) provide protective measures against bullying and harassment, which are
significant contributors to youth mental health struggles.
In response to these pressing concerns, "Mind Matters: A Seminar on Empowering Youth
for Stronger Mental Health" aims to foster awareness, resilience, and proactive
intervention strategies among students and educators. By engaging Social Work
students, faculty members, and the training team of Holy Cross of Davao College, this
seminar seeks to equip future social workers and educators with the necessary
knowledge and skills to support youth mental health effectively.
Through expert discussions, interactive activities, and shared experiences, this seminar
will provide a platform to break the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage help-
seeking behaviors, and strengthen the commitment to creating a supportive
environment for young individuals. Ultimately, this initiative aligns with national mental
health policies and contributes to the broader advocacy of building a mentally healthy
society.
V. Objectives
By the end of the seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Identify and explain at least three common mental health challenges affecting
Filipino youth, based on relevant data and case studies, by the end of the seminar.
2. Describe the key provisions of the Mental Health Act (RA 11036) and other related
laws, and discuss their implications in promoting mental well-being among young
individuals.
3. Demonstrate at least two effective coping strategies and one intervention technique
that can be used to support youth experiencing mental health challenges.
4. Design and present a mini action plan outlining how they can contribute to mental
health awareness and support in their school or community within one month after the
seminar.
5. Commit to sharing at least one key takeaway from the seminar with five peers or
classmates within two weeks to foster a culture of openness and mental health support.
VI. Methodology
Lecture: Understanding Youth Mental Health
Presentation by a mental health expert or social work professional
Discussion on common mental health issues among Filipino youth
Overview of national mental health statistics and trends
Q&A and Open Forum
Participants engage in a discussion with resource speakers
Sharing of personal insights and key takeaways
VII. Program of Activity
Time Activity Details / Speaker
- Invocation and National Anthem
- Welcome Remarks (Faculty
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM Opening Program Representative)
- Overview of Seminar Objectives (Event
Facilitator)
- Speaker: Mental Health Expert/Social
Work Professional
Keynote Lecture:
- Discussion on common youth mental
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM Understanding Youth
health issues
Mental Health
- Presentation of national mental health
statistics
- Speaker: Legal Expert or Social Work
Educator
Policy and Legal
- Overview of RA 11036 (Mental Health
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Framework on Mental
Act), RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), and RA
Health
10627 (Anti-Bullying Act)
- Case studies on legal interventions
- Q&A session with speakers
- Sharing of participant insights
Open Forum & Closing - Closing Remarks (Event
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Program Organizer/Faculty Member)
- Distribution of Certificates and
Evaluation Forms
VIII. Materials and Resources Needed
To ensure the smooth execution of "Mind Matters: A Seminar on Empowering Youth for
Stronger Mental Health," the following materials will be prepared:
1. Audio-Visual & Technical Equipment
Projector and screen for presentations
Laptop with seminar slides and video materials
Microphone and sound system for speakers
Clicker or remote control for slide presentations
2. Printed Materials & Documentation
Seminar program flow (for facilitators and speakers)
Speaker presentations (printed copies for distribution, if needed)
Handouts on mental health, coping strategies, and relevant laws
Evaluation forms for participant feedback
Certificates of participation for attendees and speakers
3. Logistics & Supplies
Registration table and sign-in sheets
Chairs and tables arranged for interactive discussions
IX. Budgetary Requirements
Expense Category Details Estimated Cost (₱)
Honorarium Speaker/Resource Person 2,500.00
Snacks and drinks for
Meals & Refreshments 1,500.00
participants
Handouts, evaluation forms,
Printing & Materials 500.00
certificates
Name tags, registration materials,
Miscellaneous 500.00
contingency
Total ₱5,000.00
X. Expected Output
The seminar aims to achieve the following tangible and measurable outcomes:
1. Increased Awareness on Youth Mental Health
At least 80% of participants can identify and explain three common mental
health issues affecting Filipino youth.
Participants gain a clearer understanding of national mental health statistics
and trends.
2. Knowledge on Mental Health Laws and Policies
Participants can summarize key provisions of RA 11036 (Mental Health Act),
RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), and RA 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act) and their
significance.
Participants demonstrate awareness of available mental health services and
legal protections.
3. Development of Mental Health Advocacy Initiatives
Each group presents a mini action plan outlining a mental health awareness or
support initiative for their school or community.
At least three actionable commitments are documented from participants to
promote mental well-being in their respective circles.
XI. Evaluation Method
To assess the effectiveness of "Mind Matters: A Seminar on Empowering Youth for
Stronger Mental Health," the following evaluation methods will be implemented:
1. Pre- and Post-Seminar Assessment
A short pre-test before the seminar (e.g., multiple-choice or Likert-scale survey)
to gauge existing knowledge on mental health, coping strategies, and related
laws.
A post-test after the seminar to measure knowledge improvement and learning
retention.
2. Participant Feedback Form
A structured evaluation form will be distributed at the end of the seminar,
covering:
Speaker effectiveness and clarity
Relevance and usefulness of topics discussed
Engagement level in activities/workshops
Overall satisfaction rating (1-5 scale)
Suggestions for future seminars
Prepared by:
Approved by:
CARL JOHN D. MAHINAY, RSW
Instructor
