PhD Psychology students collaborates with BJMP for outreach program
School of Arts and Sciences
February 5, 2024
The students taking Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology of Holy Angel University in collaboration with Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Olongapo District headed by JSUPT Junteddy G. Madria organized a service learning, outreach cum immersion activity among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL's) titled “Caring for the PDLs: A Psychosocial Support Activity” as part of their Social and Community Psychology Class activity with Dr. Benny S. Soliman, RGC, LPT, RPm, RPsy last December 16, 2023, at Olongapo District Jail.
The activity was graced by an opening prayer by Fr. Sabino T. Roquero, Jr., while JSUPT Junteddy G. Madria, Warden welcomed the guests and participants of the activity. Dr. Benny S. Soliman also provided the rationale for the event.
The psychosocial support activity was composed of three sessions highlighting the kamustahan, a talk on coping, and a lecture on relapse prevention.
The kamustahan session was facilitated by Ms. Janne Andre M. Diego, RPsy one of the PhD students, where she provided a brief introduction about stress, identifying stressors, and ways to improve emotional and mental foundation to have a positive outlook in life. Hence, a letter-writing activity was conducted for the PDLs to administer self-reflection on their situation and their well-being.
Also, Ms. Maica S. Pineda, RPsy, RPm presided over the second session where she had a discussion-talk on identifying internal and external strengths as a coping mechanism to improve oneself.
It was then followed by a lecture on relapse prevention by Mr. Benedick M. Aguilar, RPsy, and a facilitated personal prayer activity for the PDLs. This was followed by a small group sharing facilitated by all the members of the class.
The discussions highlight key points on focusing on improving oneself and fostering hope in moving forward. Additionally, the activity emphasized self-reflection on the things that make one grateful, as well as setting a goal to keep pushing despite circumstances and factors affecting one’s mental health