SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

In order to address a present social crisis and the detrimental psychological impacts that the soldiers deployed during the Marawi Siege were experiencing, the MSU-IIT Psychosocial Response Team was established as an integrated psychosocial response. These psycho-educational interventions, which included seminars and workshops, were carried out by the psychology department in cooperation with the department of professional education. In addition, it offers counseling and psychological evaluations. 

Specific activities embedded in psychosocial interventions:

• Mental Health Literacy, which includes seminars on the basic understanding of mental health and the factors influencing the well-being of individuals,

• Assessment of global and situation specific mental health using validated instruments not only in Western populations but also among Filipinos

• Managing Stress-associated emotions.

The 2-day Workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation Strategies for Project Sustainability led by the WE CARE Office, served as a dynamic platform to equip project implementers with practical tools and strategies to monitor outcomes, measure impact, and ensure the continuity and relevance of their projects over time. 

Key stakeholders from the academe and local government actively participated in this knowledge-sharing initiative. Among them were representatives from:

• LGU-Iligan, headed by City Administrator Darwin J. Manubag, PhD

• DepEd-Iligan, represented by Education Program Supervisor for Science Dr. Risa Nicor

• MSU-Marawi, led by Director for University Extension Melencio C. Jalova, Jr.

• MSU-Buug, represented by Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Rovy M. Banguis

• MSU-Naawan, through Office of Extension Director Marief B. Quiñones

The event also highlighted the expertise of resource persons Mr. Abu Al-Rasheed T. Tanggol and Mr. Ramon Noriel B. Sicad, who offered invaluable guidance in designing responsive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems that align with project goals and sustainability objectives.