RC Makati-RC CDO bring SupeerHeroes Program in Cagayan De Oro

Cagayan de Oro is facing an alarming mental health crisis. In June 2023, a news report revealed that the state-run Northern Mindanao Medical Center admitted an average of five individuals per week for suicide attempts. The city recorded a staggering 162% increase in suicide cases in the first half of 2023, with 76 reported cases compared to just 29 in 2022 and 18 in 2021.

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, RC Makati collaborated with its brother club, RC Cagayan de Oro (RC CDO), to bring the SuPEERheroes program to the city. The program, a mental health initiative of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation and the signature project of RC Makati last Rotary year under the leadership of IPP Bing Matoto, is designed to empower student leaders and educators in providing peer-to-peer support and early intervention for mental health concerns.

In a striking coincidence, in the afternoon of March 2, while Pres. Keith was at the executive lounge of LimKetKai Hotel for a media interview about the program, a 15-year-old man was rescued trying to jump at Kagay-an Bridge, a bridge they were looking at the entire time during the interview.

On March 3, the complete succession team of RC Makati was present to participate in the opening session of the 4-day training. Attendees included Pres. Keith Harrison with FA Rachel, PE Eddie Galvez, PN Howie Calleja, and PND Chris Ferareza, accompanied by CoS Ron.

During the short program, RC CDO Pres. Neil Que emphasized the importance of addressing depression, stating that the battle to end this fight begins with the pioneers of Northern Mindanao SuPEERheroes. Jean Goulbourn addressed the participants, providing an overview of the program, while Pres. Keith shared the historical background on the support RC Makati has given to this initiative.

80 students and 20 teachers participated in the 4-day training from Cagayan de Oro College -PHINMA, Cagayan de Oro National High School, Capitol University – Basic Education Department, Carmen National High School, Corpus Christi High School, Gusa Regional Science High School, Lumbia National High School, Macabalan National High School, Pilgrim Christian College, and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan High School.

The Basic Level training began by emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-care. On the first day, topics such as Self-Awareness, Goal-Setting, and Self-Care were introduced. The second day delved into understanding Love Languages, fostering meaningful relationships, and building emotional resilience. Students learned to embrace their imperfections and validate their feelings and those of others.

The Intermediate Level training, conducted on the third and fourth days, focused on enhancing interpersonal relationships. It covered Basic Communication and Listening Skills, the value of Gratitude, and Mindfulness practices. Participants engaged in various mindfulness therapies to manage stress effectively. The training concluded with lessons on Basic Helping Skills and Mental Health First Aid, where students were taught empathy, respect, trustworthiness, and maintaining a non-judgmental perspective. They were equipped with tools like “Egan’s Skilled Helper Method” to help peers navigate personal challenges collaboratively.

The program would not have been possible without the support of RC CDO, with PE Leony Quicoy serving as the project chairman. They coordinated with the school, provided transportation and accommodations for the facilitators, and managed the logistics for the entire 4-day seminar.

The SuPEERheroes program, which the Club has supported since last year, has now equipped over 500 students and teachers in Makati, Pampanga, Cavite, and Cagayan de Oro City with the skills and knowledge to be SuPEERheroes—champions in addressing mental health challenges among their peers.