Students in today’s diverse academic environment often grapple with various personal, social, and academic challenges that can potentially affect their confidence, relationships, and well-being. Many have struggled with learning difficulties, social anxiety, or emotional stress that hinder them in fully participating in school life. Mindful of the nurturing environment needed for every learner, NCBA Cubao embarked on Project EMBRACE-a peer support and inclusion activity aimed at enhancing empathy, understanding, and mental wellness on campus.

Project EMBRACE is designed for creating a culture where respect, acceptance, and confidence are practiced constantly. It accepts all students, including those with learning, social, or emotional challenges, strictly following the school’s policies on admission. In the process, NCBA Cubao intensifies its commitment to holistic education-manifested in how the students are empowered academically, socially, and emotionally.

Project EMBRACE was introduced to promote an environment of inclusion, understanding, and self-empowerment among the students, especially for those who may have learning, social, and emotional challenges. Although the school has admission policies for the protection of students, the project reaches out to all learners in need of acceptance and understanding.

By peer mentoring, awareness drives, and inclusive activities, Project EMBRACE spreads compassion, respect, and mental welfare, thereby helping build a community wherein every student can feel appreciated and capable of success.

The Guidance and Counseling Center, in collaboration with the NCBA Clinic, successfully conducted a seminar on Mental Health Wellness, HIV Awareness, and the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law last October 13, 2025, held at the College AVR of NCBA Cubao. With the theme, “Turn Awareness into Action: Feel, Understand, Connect,” the event aimed to equip college students with knowledge, awareness, and practical understanding of mental health, HIV prevention, and their rights under the Universal Health Care Law.

Serving as the Emcee of the program was Mr. Paul Kian Daco, a Peer Group Officer and a 4th year BSED student, who confidently guided the flow of the event and helped maintain a smooth and engaging atmosphere from start to finish.

The program was formally opened by Dr. Beatriz Louise Galan, the school physician, who warmly welcomed all participants. She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to the guest speakers and partners for their support in fostering a culture of health consciousness and responsibility among students.

Following the opening remarks, Ms. Eleissa Ignacio introduced the three keynote speakers from Red Cross Quezon City who generously shared their expertise on the seminar topics. The first speaker, Ms. Mary Christian Acosta, delivered a comprehensive talk on Mental Health Wellness, focusing on recognizing stressors, coping strategies, and the importance of seeking help when needed. The second speaker, Ms. Hana Fernandez, tackled HIV Awareness, offering vital information on HIV transmission, prevention, and debunking common myths. The third speaker discussed the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, providing students with a deeper understanding of their rights and entitlements under the law, emphasizing that every Filipino — especially the youth — is ensured access to quality medical services.

An open forum was later facilitated by Ms. Serbeto, where students were invited to share their insights, ask questions, and reflect on the key points of the seminar. The interactive exchange fostered a safe and inclusive environment, allowing students to express their thoughts and deepen their understanding of the discussed topics.

To officially conclude the program, certificates of appreciation were awarded by Ms. Nimfa Robert, Guidance Counselor, to the guest speakers in recognition of their valuable time, knowledge, and contribution to the success of the seminar. Finally, Mr. Arsenio Macaspac, Program Head of the BEED Department, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the organizers, speakers, and participants. He encouraged students to continue advocating for health and wellness, not only for themselves but also within their communities.

The event was a meaningful and informative experience that not only raised awareness but also inspired students to turn knowledge into action — embodying the theme of the seminar.

As part of the Information Service program of the Guidance and Counseling Center (GCC), and in compliance with CHED Memorandum No. 01, Series of 2015, a seminar entitled “Empowered to Say No: Understanding Good and Bad Touch” was held on August 26, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the NCBA Cubao AVR. The event was organized for students from Grades 4 to 6 under the Safe Space Campaign initiative.

The program began with a welcoming message from Mr. Dwinboy Labide, the Academic Coordinator of Basic Education at NCBA Cubao. This was followed by the introduction of the speaker, led by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Leah Flores, a graduating BEED student.

The seminar was facilitated by the school’s Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Nimfa Robert, who talked about the difference between good and bad touch, the importance of personal boundaries, and how to speak up in uncomfortable situations. The discussion was interactive and age-appropriate, keeping the students engaged throughout.

After the talk, the audience was treated to an intermission number by selected Grade 6 students who performed under the group name “Jumboys.” Their performance added a lively and fun energy to the event.

A Q&A session followed, where the emcee encouraged the students to ask questions and share their thoughts. Many students participated, showing interest and curiosity about the topic.

To wrap up the event, a Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Mrs. Robert. The program ended with closing remarks from the school Psychometrician, Ms. Christine D. Serbeto, who thanked everyone for their participation and emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for all students.

Overall, the seminar was a success. It not only informed the students but also empowered them to protect themselves and speak up when necessary.

As part of the Guidance and Counseling Center’s (GCC) Information Service Program and in accordance with CHED Memorandum No. 01, Series of 2015, a seminar was held on September 18, 2025. The event aimed to educate college students about their rights and responsibilities under the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law.

The program began with an opening message from Mrs. Nimfa Robert, the school’s Registered Guidance Counselor, who stressed the importance of creating a respectful and harassment-free environment both within and beyond the campus. Ms. Christine Serbeto, Psychometrician at NCBA Cubao, then formally introduced the guest speaker.

The session was led by Atty. Katherine Mae Añonuevo — a lawyer, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for social change — who delivered a clear and engaging presentation on the core provisions of the Anti-Bastos Law. She explained legal concepts using relatable, real-life examples that resonated with the students, making the session both educational and accessible.

Following the talk, the Kalinangan Dance Group performed a vibrant and well-received intermission number. An open forum ensued, moderated by Ms. Serbeto, where students actively participated by asking questions and sharing reflections — a sign of their strong interest and engagement with the topic.

To wrap up the event, Mrs. Mariflor M. Uber, a member of the Board of Directors, gave the closing remarks. She thanked everyone involved and reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to safeguarding student welfare and promoting safe, inclusive spaces.

Overall, the seminar proved to be a meaningful and impactful initiative. It not only provided students with a deeper understanding of the Anti-Bastos Law but also empowered them to advocate for respectful behavior, seek help when necessary, and support a culture of accountability and respect.

February is widely celebrated as the month of love, while March serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress and continuing challenges surrounding gender equality. In line with its commitment to provide meaningful insights and relevant information to students, the Guidance and Counseling Center organized a seminar on gender and relationships titled “Love and Respect: Fostering Healthy Relationships through Gender Sensitivity.” The activity was designed for both high school and college students of NCBA-Cubao.

The program was officially opened by Mr. Dive S. Adornado, the school principal. To set the tone, the concept of love was briefly introduced — including what love is, the right time for love, and some essential do’s and don’ts. This was followed by the introduction of the resource speaker by the school counselor, Mrs. Nimfa C. Robert.

The speaker, Mr. Francis Felix V. Lagarto, a registered psychometrician, registered guidance counselor, and certified human resource associate, focused his discussion on gender sensitivity, emphasizing that learning to value equality and respect leads to healthier and more meaningful relationships in the long run. After the talk, the moderator, Ms. Issa Belle S. Maneja, invited selected Grade 10 students to perform while Mrs. Robert and Mr. Blanquisco prepared for the succeeding segment — a talk show.

The talk show, led by Mrs. Robert and Mr. Blanquisco, featured four student participants who were interviewed about their perspectives and experiences on love, courtship, and dating. The generational differences between the moderators allowed for a rich comparison of traditional and modern courtship styles. The segment concluded with heartfelt love advice from Mr. Blanquisco, Mrs. Robert, and the speaker, Mr. Lagarto.

Behind the scenes, the success of the event was also made possible through the support of the PEER Members of both the College and High School Departments, who assisted in taking the attendance of participants, ran errands for the Guidance & Counseling Center, and helped decorate the venue to ensure a smooth and meaningful activity.

The event was formally concluded by Mr. Aldrin S. Antonio, who delivered a thoughtful closing address. In his remarks, Mr. Antonio emphasized the importance of fostering respectful and inclusive relationships through gender sensitivity, reinforcing the key lessons and values imparted during the seminar.

Although mental health is important in our daily lives, dedicating time to celebrate and prioritize it can be challenging, especially in a fast-paced city where people are constantly hustling. This makes Mental Health Month a vital reminder to pause and reflect on our emotional and psychological well-being. During this time, mental health institutions and organizations initiate programs to encourage individuals to check on their mental health, either to recognize progress or to address areas that need attention.

In line with this, the Guidance and Counseling Center (GCC) of NCBA-Cubao conducted a seminar entitled “BE KIND TO YOUR MIND: Prioritizing Mental Health and Self-Compassion.” The event aimed to raise awareness, provide practical tips, and foster a culture of care for mental well-being among students.

The program began with a mindful prayer, followed by the national anthem, setting a reflective and respectful tone for the seminar. Mr. Dive Adornado, the Principal, officially opened the program and highlighted current statistics on mental health both in the Philippines and internationally. He emphasized the importance of mental health in the academic setting, reinforcing why the celebration of Mental Health Month is timely and necessary.

The resource speaker, Mr. Jake Jason M. Queddeng, a licensed professional teacher and registered counselor, was introduced by Mrs. Nimfa Robert, Guidance Counselor of NCBA-Cubao, who also hosted the program. Mr. Jake currently serves as the Head of the Counseling and Assessment Service Unit at Rizal Technological University – Pasig and teaches psychology and social science subjects. He discussed what mental health is and what it is not, shared current trends in mental health in the Philippines, and provided practical strategies for caring for one’s mental well-being, including tips for self-compassion, stress management, and building resilience.

The success of the seminar was also made possible by the active participation of the Peer Group members from both the College and High School Departments. They assisted in hosting, decorating the venue, managing attendance, inviting fellow students to participate, and supporting the Guidance and Counseling Center in coordinating the program. Their contribution ensured that the seminar ran smoothly and that students felt welcomed and engaged throughout the activity.

As part of the Information Service of the Guidance and Counseling Center (GCC) and in compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 01, Series of 2015, the GCC conducted its Gender and Development seminar for this school year entitled “Understanding Gender Role and Gender Equality Empowerment” on February 19, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the NCBA Cubao Auditorium. The announcement and invitation for the event were disseminated to students through the assistance of chairpersons and college faculty members, ensuring wide participation across programs.

The program formally began with a warm welcome message from Mrs. Nimfa C. Robert, Guidance Counselor of NCBA Cubao Campus, followed by the introduction of the speaker by Ms. Pauline Anne Soriano, Psychometrician. The keynote speaker, Mr. Percival V. Cendaña, Consultant of the Quezon City GAD Council and Quezon City Pride Council, delivered an insightful discussion aligned with the goals of the seminar. His presentation tackled gender roles, empowerment, equality, and the importance of promoting inclusion and respect within educational institutions and society.

After the lecture, students were given an opportunity to express their opinions, ask questions, and share reflections about the topic—making the discussion both interactive and meaningful. A total of 224 High school and college students attended the seminar.

The success of the activity was also made possible through the active involvement of the Peer Group members from the College and High School departments, who supported the Guidance and Counseling Center in multiple ways. Their assistance included inviting and encouraging fellow students to attend the seminar, handling and monitoring the attendance on the day of the event, and helping decorate and prepare the venue to create a conducive and welcoming learning environment. Their participation demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and genuine commitment to campus wellness advocacy

The PEER day is an annual event, where all members of the Peer Facilitators Group (PFG) of all the NCBA branches gathered together. This year’s event was held at the Gymnasium in Fairview campus to conduct different team building activities that were facilitated by the advisers of each campuses. With the approval of the school president, Atty. Concepcion Nancy T. Pasion, the PFG members from Cubao and Taytay were transported safely to Fairview with the use of the school service. The event lasted from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with full of fun and learnings.

The activities were composed of mini talk about psychological first aid given by Mrs. Nimfa C. Robert, Guidance Counselor and Peer Adviser of Cubao campus, and group games that teach communication, team collaboration, decision-making and problem solving facilitated by Ms. Marrianne Kate G. Dioso, Psychometrician and Peer Adviser of Fairview campus, Mr. Allain Rowell B. Atanacio, Psychometrician and Peer Adviser of Taytay campus, and Ms. Christine D. Serbeto, Psychometrician of Cubao campus. A fee of Php 200 for was collected from the members and staff as food contribution that covered lunch, afternoon snacks and drinks. A total of 59 PFG members across the three campuses attended the event.

The peer facilitators’ group from the three campuses of NCBA system gathered together at the college auditorium in Cubao campus for the team building activity. The program was hosted by Mr. Christopher E. Vidal, Guidance Counselor of NCBA Fairview, and Ms. Pauline Anne D. Soriano, Guidance Clerk of NCBA Cubao. Through the collaborative work of the Guidance personnel of the three branches, the goal of the program was a huge success.