On 16 to 17 October 2026, the Saint Louis University (SLU) Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW) conducted an outreach program for St. Martin School Incorporated, Assumption Baguio that was established in 1964 at Mission Road, Crystal Cave, Baguio City. The program was held as the school prepares to close by the academic year 2027-2028.
To help the pupils with this transition, CCW facilitated carefully designed group dynamics activities. This was to help them appreciate St. Martin and learn an attitude of gratitude and hope for new beginnings as they look forward to their new school environment for the next academic year. The activities provided them with a space to process these upcoming changes.
For the outgoing teachers about to embark on a new journey, a wellness workshop was held to provide support and help them find meaning despite such challenging circumstances. Moreover, their values anchored in their faith have allowed them to see these endings as opportunities for growth and to trust God’s plan.
CCW ended each day with an integration activity that highlighted its message to the St. Martin School Community: they need not go through this journey alone.
The outreach program was conducted with the support of the Administration Cluster, led by the Office of the Vice President for Administration, and the following offices: Campus Planning, Maintenance and Security Department, Center for Culture and the Arts, Data Protection Office, Health Services Unit, Human Resource Department, Information Systems and Technology Services Department, Office for Legal Affairs, Office of Student Affairs and Services, SLU Residence Halls, Talged Center, and the University Information Office (President’s Cluster).
This activity aligned with the Center’s commitment to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by supporting the emotional processing of loss and transitions, and to SDG 14 (Quality Education) by helping learners move forward with confidence. It reflected the partnership spirit of SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). It also manifested the CICM’s advocacy for justice, peace, and integrity of creation as the University accompanies a community in transition with presence, compassion, and hope.
(Article by Nerisa T. Gonzalo, RGC | Photos by Christine Kee and Rhoda Joy Avila)
