As part of its commitment to strengthening professional collaboration and meaningful networking among helping professionals, while fostering leadership, resilience, and holistic wellness, the university continues to support the professional development of its guidance personnel as they respond to the evolving needs of the communities they serve. In line with this commitment, the university sent six guidance personnel to attend the annual Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) Midyear Conference.
Headed by the Director of the Guidance Services and Testing Center (GSTC), Mrs. Charie Joan D. Diaz, the university’s delegation participated in the 61st Midyear Conference, themed “The Global Helping Professional: Images. Realities. Aspirations,” held at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on October 22-23, 2026. The delegation included the following GSTC personnel: Mr. Rolito C. Bade Jr., RGC; Ms. Jovy M. Camora, RGC; Sr. Nona Marie Parra, RGC; Mr. Roy Rezano, RGC, and Ms. Joyliet Suelon-Velez, RGC. This year’s conference aimed to empower counselors, psychologists, psychometricians, social workers, educators, guidance associates, and other helping professionals by equipping them with current and globally relevant knowledge, innovative practices, and practical strategies to further enhance their competencies in counseling, psychology, education, and mental health.
On the first day of the conference, the Luce Auditorium was filled with registered guidance counselors and other allied mental health professionals from across the country who gathered to participate in seven plenary sessions. The day concluded with a fellowship night featuring music, dance, and performances by Silliman University students. On the second day, simultaneous breakout sessions were conducted, allowing participants to choose from basic to advanced workshops based on their professional interests and needs.
Indeed, the conference provided valuable opportunities to enhance guidance and counseling practices, strengthen professional connections, and exchange insights with fellow helping professionals. It also allowed participants to reconnect with colleagues and appreciate the beauty of Dumaguete City, known as the “City of Gentle People.”
On behalf of the GSTC, we extend our sincere gratitude to the university for its unwavering support of the professional development of its guidance personnel.
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