The New Louisian Philosophical Society (NEOLOUPHIS) of Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) advanced a landmark legislative proposal during the 6th Baguio Youth Parliament held on 15-16 August 2026 at the Session Hall of Baguio City Hall.
Under the theme “Empowering Minds, Shaping Tomorrow,” the NEOLOUPHIS introduced “An Ordinance Entitled Institutionalizing Youth Peer Support Groups and Mental Health Referral Services in the City of Baguio,” proposed under the Center of Youth Participation – Health. The measure seeks to establish a citywide program providing accessible, youth‑friendly mental health support and strengthen referrals from trained peer facilitators to qualified professionals through coordinated efforts with the City Government, schools, barangays, and youth organizations.
The initiative reflects SLU’s core values of compassion and innovation. By translating philosophical inquiry into policy action, the delegation actualised classroom discourse into concrete community impact. “Philosophy teaches us not merely to interpret the world, but to engage with it. Proposing this ordinance was our attempt to translate critical inquiry into tangible care for the youth of Baguio,” said Paul Jyrus D. Awisan, NEOULOPHIS delegate.
The student delegation comprised Awisan, Mark Peter Paul M. Valeros, Marc Francis E. Gabrillo, Philip Lawrence R. Pioquinto, Anton Lawrence O. Ponce, and John Remar L. Gayla. The proposed ordinance will be formally endorsed to the Baguio City Council for legislative review.
The 6th Baguio Youth Parliament, a flagship activity of the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration organised by the Baguio SK Federation, was chaired by Louisian students and SK Federation Officers Sean Benedict C. Villamor, a fourth‑year Philosophy student, and Johavier Ampaso, a third‑year Political Science student.
This ordinance concretely advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑being by prioritising youth mental health care, SDG 4: Quality Education by embedding psychosocial support within schools, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by ensuring inclusive access to services, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering participatory governance and institutional responsiveness. (Article and Photos by Sean Benedict C. Villamor)
