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| (Image Source: MegaBites/I am MAD Volunteers Inc.) |
In its third year of promoting safe spaces for mental health discussions, nonprofit organization I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. is hosting forum on mental health and volunteerism on October 19, 2024 at Cinema 6 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. This initiative comes in light of recent findings indicating that mental health issues are among the top five reasons for dropout rates among higher education students in the Philippines.
Titled MAD Talks Padayon, the event coincides with this year's observance of World Mental Health Month and aims to highlight stories of resilience and the positive impact of volunteerism on mental well-being. The program will feature selected readings from Mga Tala At Tula, a poetry collection by renowned Filipino author Ron Canimo. His organization, the Mga Tala At Tula Community, was recognized as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards in 2020 for its efforts to inspire love, hope, and healing through poetry and creative writing. Dubbed the “Ultimate Hugot” event, this initiative is a collaboration with SM Cares, the social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, and the National Youth Commission, designed to engage diverse audiences nationwide. The theme will focus on the journey of volunteers, captured in the phrase "Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Nag-Volunteer At Padayon".
“The primary goal of the event is to create a safe space for volunteers to share their personal journeys of pain, love, healing, and growth,” said MAD Talks Padayon Project Lead Kaye Maguddayao who emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking help. This year’s lineup of speakers features Jao Jundam, a nursing board exam topnotcher and Volunteer Lead for International Relations, known for his viral story of taking on odd jobs before becoming a nurse in Australia. Also speaking in the forum are Jake Villanueva, Volunteer Lead for Content Creation and University Extension Specialist from UP Diliman; Kaye Chia, Team Lead for MAD Camp Aurora and student leader from Manila Tytana Colleges; and Ymari Kristia Pascua, a mental health coach. Actor and influencer Sky Quizon will also share messages of hope and insights on volunteerism.
Tickets are available for as low as Php99.00 at bit.ly/MADTalksPadayon2024 with a portion of proceeds benefiting learner-participants of the MAD Camps program for 2025. MAD Talks Padayon is supported by SM Cares, Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP) of the National Youth Commission, and The New Channel. The forum aims to inspire meaningful dialogue, providing actionable strategies to support mental health through volunteerism. It seeks to empower individuals to take charge of their mental well-being while contributing to societal good. Support I am MAD Volunteers Inc. and its volunteerism and mental health initiatives through your donations which can be done online via bit.ly/bidadonate. For updates and partnership opportunities, email iammadph@gmail.com.
