Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) rolled out its “RACE Against Suicide” Gatekeeper Training Toolkit for Suicide Prevention in Schools on September 12, 2025 at SKSU ACCESS Campus, Tacurong City, equipping school nurses and guidance counselors from all campuses with practical skills to identify, assess, and respond to students at risk of self-harm or suicide.
Spearheaded by Director Joselyn Bacera of the Guidance Office in partnership with the Office of Health and Ancillary Services led by Director Grace R. Pedrola, the training reaffirmed SKSU’s commitment to safeguarding student and personnel well-being. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maritess Java lent her support, underscoring the administration’s recognition of suicide prevention as a critical component of campus health and wellness.
A key feature of the activity was the RACE Referral System (Recognize, Assess, Convince, Entrust)—a structured framework designed to empower SKSU personnel to act as effective gatekeepers. Through the system, participants learned to identify warning signs, assess risk levels, and make timely interventions or referrals.
The initiative also aligns with Republic Act 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Act), which directs schools to promote mental health awareness, provide psychosocial support, and establish robust referral mechanisms.
Beyond compliance, the program supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting mental health and well-being (SDG 3), ensuring inclusive and supportive learning environments (SDG 4), and strengthening partnerships among school health personnel, faculty, and administrators (SDG 17).
With this proactive initiative, SKSU continues to intensify its mental health programs and implementation strategies, positioning its campuses as safe spaces for growth, learning, and emotional resilience.
By: Eden Ronal G. Tapang
