The Saint Louis University Sunflower Pedagogical and Developmental Center (SLU SPDC), SLU Basic Education School (SLU BEdS), and the Baguio-Benguet Medical Society (BBMS) partnered to conduct a seminar entitled “GLOW UP: Guidance for Learning, Obstacles, and Wellness Through Partnerships” on 5 November 2026 at the SLU Decaestecker Building, Navy Base.
The activity was designed for teachers and parents to better understand the well-being and needs of children and youth and how they can respond.
Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico, BEdS Principal gave his welcome remarks and emphasized the importance of the contributions of the members of the community to the wellness of children. Thereafter, Cynthia L. Posadas, SPDC Program Coordinator gave an overview of the seminar and introduced the different partners involved in the activity.
The seminar was divided into five sessions. The first is entitled “Two Worlds, One Goal: Aligning Perspectives for the Pre Assessment Journey” was delivered by Dr. Raflyn Guillermo, PhD. It focused on early detection that teachers and parents can observe for Special Education children and youth.
The second session was facilitated by Ms. Jennifer M. Garcia, RPm, RPsy, entitled “Children’s online safety: Digital Well-being and Social Media Use” which focused on children’s use of technology including its risks. She provided ways on how parents and teachers can monitor and ensure the safe use of technology.
The third session by Dr. Rico Jose Dometita, MD, DSBPP entitled “Promoting Emotional Support, Understanding, and Communicating for Parents and Children” covered multiple topics in handling different emotionally vulnerable moments with children and youth including positive parenting and emotional coaching.
Dr. Mary Rose Eunice Gundayao, MD, DPPS facilitated the fourth session titled “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Generation Z? Parenting Tip 101” about understanding the brain and behavior of Gen Z’s.
The fifth session was delivered by Dr. Maria Franchesca B. Orias, RPh, MD, DPPS, DPSCOT, SHC1 entitled “Intentional Poisoning in Adolescents: Recognize, Respond and Prevent.” It focused on the detection of early signs of self harm and what to do during poison ingestion.
To officially close the event, BBMS President Dr. Shiela Candelario Cortez gave a summary of the different sessions, highlighting that the well-being of children is a shared responsibility of everyone.
This activity aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. (Article and Photos by Shania B. Kiong, SLU SPDC)
