Bantay Isip: RC San Fernando La Union and SDO San Fernando City Explore Mental Health Partnership

Recognizing that the well-being of young people is essential to their growth and learning, the Rotary Club of San Fernando (La Union) met with the Schools Division Office of the City of San Fernando, La Union on September 7, 2026, to coordinate an upcoming mental health initiative—Project Bantay Isip.

The coordination meeting brought together RCSFLU and SDO officials, including Schools Division Superintendent Herana and Escobar Nehmel, Mental Health Focal Person, to discuss possible areas of collaboration and the direction of the proposed program. The conversation centered on how the partnership can help respond to the mental health and psychosocial needs of learners through an appropriate school-based initiative.

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Project Bantay Isip is envisioned as a platform that promotes mental health awareness, early support, and a culture of listening and understanding among young people. Through coordination with the Schools Division Office, RCSFLU seeks to ensure that the initiative complements existing school programs and responds to needs identified by education and mental health personnel themselves.

The proposed initiative takes on added meaning during September, Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month. Education is not only about what students learn from books and classrooms; their emotional and mental well-being also influences how they learn, relate with others, overcome challenges, and envision their future.

The meeting also reflects RCSFLU’s continuing efforts to build partnerships rather than work in isolation. By listening first to educators and professionals who work directly with learners, the Club hopes to develop an initiative that is relevant, responsive, and capable of creating meaningful outcomes for participating schools and students.

As discussions for Project Bantay Isip move forward, RCSFLU and SDO San Fernando City share a simple but important goal: to help build learning environments where young people know that their minds matter, their voices can be heard, and support is within reach. In caring for both learning and well-being, the partnership hopes to Create Lasting Impact in the lives of the next generation.

Submitted by: Lexus Jed A. Castañeda