University invests in holistic well-being and global goals through BukSU CARES

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) established a leading practice by incorporating community well-being services into its core mission, alongside academic delivery.

This initiative lies in the Center for Advocacy, Resilience and Well-being Services (BukSU-CARES), a unit that embodies the university’s dedication to psychological safety, emotional health, and global citizenship.

The Center serves as a central resource for students, faculty, and staff, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to foster resilience and ensure access to safe spaces for dialogue and healing.

“The initiative extends beyond the institution’s traditional mandate, reflecting BukSU’s proactive response to the growing mental health demands in the region. It is also aligned with the administration’s major thrusts, positioning BukSU as a key driver of mental health advocacy, resilience-building, and community support,” Dr. Xyle Fe A. Verbal, BukSU CARES Director, said.

The core activity is the provision of individual and group counseling services, which are instrumental in addressing the academic, personal, and career development needs of students.

Recognizing that wellness starts at the organizational level, BukSU-CARES also extends these safe spaces to the workforce, providing support sessions for academic leaders and personnel across the main and satellite campuses.

To break the stigma surrounding mental health, BukSU has launched creative and inclusive programs.

The Care Circle Sessions involve small, confidential groups where individuals can share experiences, offer peer support, and discuss common stressors in a facilitated environment.

The Wellness Sessions are instructional and therapeutic group meetings, similar to workshops, that focus on specific well-being topics and skills.

The Wellness Retreat Activities are extended, immersive programs often held outside the typical work/study environment designed for intensive self-reflection, rejuvenation, and skill-building.

The “Real Mind, Real Stories” podcast serves as a psycho-educational and advocacy platform that moves the discussion of mental health and stories of resilience through BukSU Channel on YouTube ensuring that well-being resources are available anytime, anywhere, extending the reach of BukSU-CARES beyond the physical campus.

BukSU is cultivating a community of resilient, empathetic, and responsible citizens, believing that well-being is the essential starting line for all academic and societal achievement.

“At BukSU CARES, we believe everyone deserves a workplace where they can breathe, feel safe, and be themselves. Whether you’re in the main campus or in our satellite campuses, we’re here to listen, support, and walk with you. We aim to nurture resilience, champion wellbeing, and help build a SMART workforce that thrives together,” Verbal added. (BukSU-Information Unit)