EMPOWERING YOUTH AND NURTURING MINDS: BUHI HOSTS RIGMAT MENTAL HEALTH FORUM

By Fr. Joshua Sanchez

BUHI, Camarines Sur — Laughter, curiosity, and thoughtful silence filled St. Francis of Assisi Parish on February 6 as over 200 students and community members gathered for the 14^th St. Josephine Bakhita Lecture Series, paired with the RIGMAT: A Mental Health Forum. The event, a flagship initiative of the Cáceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP), brought education, faith, and mental wellness together under one roof.

“This program teaches us not just about our rights, but about valuing ourselves and others,” shared a Grade 6 student from Buhi Central School. “I realized that asking for help is not a weakness—it’s courage.”

Launched in 2023 with Ateneo de Naga University Theology Department, the St. Josephine Bakhita Lecture Series emphasizes freedom, identity, and discipleship, encouraging the youth to embrace their God-given identity and take responsibility for their communities while being aware of the many social issues nowadays like Vulnerabilities, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking. Topics range from responsible sexuality to holistic protection, equipping students, youth groups, and parish communities with tools to advocate for women and children.

On the other hand, RIGMAT: A Mental Health Forum was introduced in 2024 and complements the lecture series by addressing the urgent mental health concerns in Bicol. The forum provides a safe, compassionate space for dialogue on emotional well-being, resilience and support systems, especially for areas where suicide prevention has become a pressing concern.

During the forum, Mrs. Margie May Ireno-Dispolon, LPT, CHRA of Balaogan National High School Bula, guided participants on creating safe spaces for youth mental health, while Atty. Joseph Ceasar Sahurda of Ateneo de Naga College of Law, highlighted the SAFE SPACES ACT as a legal shield for mental well-being. Spiritual reflection and safeguarding insights were shared by COWCP Chairman Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar, reinforcing the connection between faith and holistic care.

The day concluded with the veneration of the relic of St. Josephine Bakhita, leaving a lasting impression of hope, service, and advocacy. “Seeing everyone come together reminds me that we are not alone,” said a student from Igbac Elementary School.

The participants came from Buhi North Central School, Peñafrancia Elementary School, Holy Child Educational Center Buhi Campus, Buhi Central School, Igbac Elementary School, Ipil Elementary School, and Sta. Cruz Elementary School. The event was hosted by St. Francis of Assisi Parish with full support from Parish Priest Fr. William Parde Jr., Ms. Daniela Catorse and the Parish Youth Ministry, in partnership with Mrs. Brenda Gonzales of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipality of Buhi.

Through programs like the lecture series and RIGMAT, COWCP continues to inspire the youth, build resilience and nurture empowered communities —living the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita, one safe space at a time.