In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, guidance counselors from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) spearheaded a psychosocial processing and debriefing initiative for survivors in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on November 15, 2025.
The one-day intervention, organized by the CHMSU Office of Guidance Services (OGS), was conducted in collaboration with the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute (NYLI) Center for Health and Wellbeing (CHW), the Negros Occidental Guidance Counselors’ Association (NOGCA), and the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R).
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT. CHMSU guidance counselors and partners provide psychosocial support to Typhoon Tino survivors in La Castellana, offering care, comfort, and community healing.
OGS & NOGCA photos
Aileen Alvarez-Tranquilo led the CHMSU Psychosocial Response Team, joined by OGS Director Juben Palermo and counselors Abegail Escaño, Brendly Ann Mateo, and Rhea Linaja from the Talisay Campus. Additional support came from Maria Luna Dela Cerna, Emily Vingson, and Aileen Joy Decena of the Alijis Campus, alongside NOGCA Vice President Diwani Duropan and Alpha Grace Quinlat representing the Fortune Towne Campus.
Working in coordination with Elizabeth Tagnia, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of La Castellana, the team provided psychosocial services to evacuees housed at St. Vincent’s High School, Bahay Silangan–Fastrac, and Balay Daguinot in Barangay Robles.
The initiative, composed of 30 volunteers, also received institutional backing from the UNO-R Student Development and Placement Center, led by Chris Feli Joy Tajonera, and the UNO-R Psychotrauma Clinic under Judith Advincula.
NYLI facilitated logistics and transportation for the activity. The activity also included support from NYLI CHW Program Manager Mary Margareth de Asis, Eden Galve of Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias, and CHMSU BS Psychology alumnae Precious Gwyneth Villagomesa (NYLI), Melissa Arceo (Panasiatic), and Nica Joy Francisco.
Also joining the group of 30 volunteers were the Department of Education guidance counselors from the Schools Division of La Carlota City, Schools District of La Castellana, and Schools Division of Sipalay Cit,y alongside mental health workers and professionals.
The group also held sessions for evacuees in La Castellana National High School, Jesus Missions Assembly Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
