March 24, 2026 — Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) Counseling and Assessment Services Unit (CASU) officially launched CASU Week at the SNAGAH Penthouse B with a high-level training session: “Seeing the Signs Before a Crisis: Suicide Prevention Protocol Training for Mental Health Gatekeepers.”

The intensive program focused on equipping university leadership, including college deans, program heads, and faculty members, with the critical Psychological First Aid skills necessary to identify early warning signs of distress and implement life-saving intervention protocols within the RTU community.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Rodrigo DP. Tomas, Dean of the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs Services, reminded the assembled department heads and faculty that as the university’s primary frontliners, they are in the best position to recognize “red flags” and follow the necessary protocols to prevent self-harm and suicide.

The session featured guest speaker Dr. Merimee T. Siena, a Registered Guidance Counselor from the Philippine Normal University and the Ateneo-Bulatao Center. Dr. Siena shared her expertise on the clinical processes for identifying suicidal ideation and the risk factors involved.

Addressing the audience of academic leaders, Dr. Siena emphasized their role as “Gatekeepers.” Her message was clear: while they are not psychologists, their presence and awareness are the most vital tools in the university’s safety net. She delved into the “whys” behind these crises, helping the faculty understand the psychological urges and stressors that put them at risk.

Closing the program, Assoc. Prof. Emmanuelle Santiago, Head of CASU, emphasized the power of human connection, noting that “sometimes, a simple conversation can make a big difference.” The insights gained throughout the day served as a vital reminder that for the university’s leadership, effective prevention begins with proactive awareness.

By prioritizing mental health literacy among its high-ranking officials and educators, RTU is taking a proactive first step toward crisis prevention. These initiatives prove that RTU is more than an academic institution; it is a community that cares deeply for the safety and well-being of its members, especially its students.