Breaking the Silence Mental Health Matters
“Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Matters” on September 3, 2026, at the San Pedro Relocation Center National High School.
Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Matters
On September 3, 2026, the Catalyst Christian Sniper Eagles Club — NCR 65, in cooperation with the Kapakinig Mental Health Organization, opened a vital conversation at the San Pedro Relocation Center National High School.
“Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Matters” brought together members of the school and community for a meaningful discussion centered on mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and the importance of creating a safe space where people can openly talk about their struggles.
More than simply an awareness activity, the program served as a powerful reminder that mental health deserves attention, understanding, and compassion — and that conversations about it should never be avoided or silenced.
Organizing Partners
The introduction of the participating organizations was facilitated by Kuya Philip and Kuya Richard, setting the tone for a program focused on service, awareness, and genuine community engagement.
Program Flow
The event followed a carefully structured program that moved from ceremonial opening to interactive learning, creating an atmosphere that was both respectful and deeply engaging.
Opening Prayer & National Anthem
The program began with a solemn prayer and the singing of the National Anthem, grounding the event in shared reverence and patriotism.
Inspirational Messages
Organizers and facilitators delivered words of encouragement, framing the day’s purpose around compassion and understanding.
Organization Introductions
Kuya Philip and Kuya Richard introduced the Catalyst Christian Sniper Eagles Club and the Kapakinig Mental Health Organization to the participants.
Activities & Snack Time
Participants engaged in icebreaker activities and shared snacks, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere before the main discussions.
Two-Part Lecture
The centerpiece of the event — a comprehensive discussion on mental health awareness and well-being.
Open Forum & Q&A
Participants raised questions and engaged directly with the speakers, deepening their understanding of the topics discussed.
Closing Remarks & Photo Opportunity
The program concluded with acknowledgments, gratitude to sponsors, and a group photo capturing the spirit of the day.
Featured Speakers
The highlight of the event was the two-part lecture, “Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Matters”, featuring two distinguished speakers whose combined expertise bridged clinical practice, academic research, and grassroots advocacy.
Den S. Morales, PhDc, RGC, LPT, CPFE
Brought professional insight into the clinical and educational dimensions of mental health, offering participants a grounded understanding of how mental well-being intersects with guidance, education, and everyday life.
Dr. Joselito Angulo, PhD
As the founder of the Kapakinig Mental Health Organization, Dr. Angulo shared his vision for a community where mental health conversations are normalized, and where every individual feels empowered to seek help and support others.
What Was Discussed
Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness. It is the state of realizing one’s abilities, coping with normal life stresses, demonstrating resilience, working productively, and contributing positively to others.
Understanding this definition reframes mental health from something you fix when broken into something you actively cultivate every day.
The discussion explored critical aspects of mental health, including understanding one’s well-being, recognizing concerns such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and becoming more mindful of one’s thoughts and emotions. The speakers emphasized that awareness is the first step — you cannot address what you do not first acknowledge.
The session made clear that mental health is not a destination but a daily practice — one that requires self-awareness, intentional habits, and the courage to reach out when the weight becomes too much to carry alone.
Practical Insights Shared
Beyond theory, the session equipped participants with concrete, actionable strategies for caring for their mental well-being. These were not abstract ideals — they were tools participants could begin using that same day.
Focus on What You Can Control
Direct your energy toward things within your power rather than ruminating on what you cannot change.
Practice Healthy Thinking
Develop awareness of thought patterns and actively challenge negative or distorted thinking habits.
Recognize Your Strengths
Acknowledge your personal support systems and the strengths you already carry within you.
Participants were also introduced to simple but powerful relaxation techniques that can be practiced anywhere, anytime — tools that require no special equipment, no training, and no appointment.
Double Breathing Technique
A calming method where you inhale deeply through the nose, take a second short inhale to fully expand the lungs, then exhale slowly through the mouth. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces acute stress.
Butterfly Hug
A self-soothing technique where you cross your arms over your chest, gently tap your shoulders alternately, and focus on slow, steady breathing. Originally developed for trauma recovery, it provides comfort during moments of anxiety.
Seeking Professional Help
The speakers emphasized that reaching out to a mental health professional is not a sign of weakness — it is an essential, responsible part of caring for one’s overall health, just like seeing a doctor for physical ailments.
Community Engagement
Through the open forum and Q&A session, participants were given a safe avenue to engage directly with the speakers — to raise questions, share personal reflections, and deepen their understanding of the topics discussed.
This segment transformed the event from a one-way lecture into a genuine dialogue, reinforcing the event’s core message: that mental health conversations should be open, honest, and free of judgment.
Event Sponsors
The organizers expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity helped bring the event to life.
A Step Toward Understanding
“Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Matters” was more than a school event — it was a statement. A declaration that conversations about mental health should never be avoided or silenced.
By educating, empowering, and inspiring individuals to care for themselves and support others, the event encouraged everyone present to take part in building a more understanding and mentally healthy community.
The silence has been broken. The conversation continues.
