05/10/2025
๐ฃ๐๐๐ฅ-๐๐ถ๐ธ๐ฎ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ผ ๐ป๐ฎ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ด ๐ฃ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ง! ๐๐๐คฉ
On October 4, 2025, the ICI Peer Facilitatorsโ proudly took part in the 1st Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, Inc. โ Peer Organization of the Philippines (PGCA-POP) National Conference held at St. Paul College, Pasig. With the theme โEmpowering Youth: Embracing the Power of Peer Support,โ the event aimed to inspire, connect, and recognize the collective mission of peer organizations throughout the country.
Representing the ICI PEERkadas were Dr. Filipina M. De Leon (ICI College Head of OSAS, PGCA-POP Officer), Mr. Noel DC. Domdom Jr., RGC (ICI Peer Facilitatorsโ Club Adviser), Sabine Laurice Niegas (President), Decerie Santos (Secretary), Lhriz Vergara (Psychology Representative), Josh Aplasca (BACOMM Representative), and Elnaries Joy Ann De Leon (Member).
The event opened with a lively parade of peer banners, followed by an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The welcome remarks were given by Sr. Dedication Rosario, SPC, while Ms. Ma. Honey Belle B. Vicencio, RGC, National Vice President for External Affairs of PGCA, delivered the keynote address.
The morning plenary sessions began with โInnovative Programs for Peer-to-Peer Supportโ presented by Dr. Sheila Marie G. Hocson, Founder of PGCA-POP. This was followed by โPeer Networking: Creating Safe Spaces and Strategies for Inclusivity,โ discussed by Mr. Danilo B. Talusan (PGCA PRO and Co-founder of PGCA-POP), Mr. Alvin Guinto (PGCA-POP Alumnus), and Ms. Anna Claudia Durban (PGCA-POP Alumna), and moderated by ICI PEERkada Elnaries De Leon.
In the afternoon session, participants joined the POP Fellowship, a segment designed to strengthen bonds among attendees. This was succeeded by Plenary Topic 3: Becoming a Peer Facilitator, led by Ms. Shakira Jacoba, POP Student President.
The highlight of the day was the announcement of the POP-Mental Health Ambassador for 2025, made by Ms. Claudette P. Nuguid, PGCA-POP Vice President for Internal Affairs.
To wrap up the conference, Mr. Bon Homme Richard G. Torres, PGCA-POP Vice President for External Affairs, delivered a synthesis of the dayโs discussions, while Dr. Jaruvic C. Rafols, PGCA-POP President, gave the closing remarks, marking the end of an inspiring and empowering event for all peer leaders nationwide.
Caption By: Decerie Santos | SECRETARY
PubMat By: Sabine Niegas | PRESIDENT