Manay, Davao Oriental — In the wake of the devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake that shook Davao Oriental and its neighboring provinces, the Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. (RMC) reached out to extend compassion, psychological support, and hope to affected residents of Barangay Guza, Manay, Davao Oriental on October 20, 2025.
The Psychological Debriefing Activity was spearheaded by Dr. Annbeth B. Calla, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, together with Dr. Teresita B. Bayaron, Dean of the College of Agriculture, and Ms. Cristina C. Ariate, NSTP/CRES Coordinator. Joining them were dedicated RMC faculty members Dr. Aglu M. Cayetano, Prof. Reynaldo S. Dapedran, Prof. Cyril H. Ybañez, RPsy, RPm and Prof. June Rey R. Caliwang of IBED who collectively shared their time, expertise, and empathy in providing mental health intervention and emotional care to children adolescents, and adults who endured the trauma brought by the calamity.
The activity was made possible through close coordination with the Local Government Unit of Manay, led by Hon. Jon Marco M. Dayanghirang, Municipal Councilors Daisy Donato, Jan Mae Dayanghirang Llavore and other LGU officials, whose cooperation ensured the success of the outreach and reaffirmed the spirit of bayanihan in times of distress.
Adding warmth and joy to the day, the RMC team also organized games and fun group activities for the children, which brought smiles and laughter to their faces. The cheerful atmosphere provided a much-needed break from fear and anxiety, helping the young participants release their stress and cope with the trauma caused by the frequent tremors. For a few precious hours, their laughter echoed through the barangay — a sound of healing and renewed hope.
As part of their mission, the RMC team also visited the Manay Municipal Health Center to assess the Psychological needs of the most affected barangays. The visit was facilitated by Dr. Juvette Ann C. Esteban, Rural Health Physician under the Office of the Assistant Regional Director, together with nurses and social workers who have been tirelessly serving at the forefront of the health response.
In recognition of this heartfelt initiative, the Barangay Council of Guza, through Punong Barangay Angelie T. Manongsong, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the entire RMC team for their invaluable contribution in promoting mental health awareness and emotional recovery within the community.
The outreach effort reflects RMC’s enduring mission of service, compassion, and excellence, proving that education extends beyond the classroom — it lives in every act of kindness and every heart that chooses to serve.
As Dean Calla expressed, “We are not just here to teach minds, but to touch hearts — to remind our communities that even after the strongest tremors, hope remains unshaken.”
Through this initiative, the Rizal Memorial Colleges once again stood as a beacon of compassion and resilience, bringing light, laughter, and healing to the people of Manay, Davao Oriental (𝙍𝙈𝘾 𝘾𝘼𝙎/𝙍𝙎𝘿).
