By: Alyszah Angela Beltran
Photo courtesy of Roni Calupitan | The LANCE
The Letran Legal Management Society (LLMS) organized its event titled, “LIGTAS: Legal Talks on Mental Health, Support, and Wellness Forum” on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. The discussion followed the theme on mental health in high-pressure academic forums. Moreover, centered on the intersection of law and mental health, the initiative highlighted the importance of supporting one another amid the rigorous demands of academic life.
The event shone a meaningful light on the shared responsibility of fostering a mentally healthy academic community. Further, it encouraged students to empower and look out for their friends and peers, recognizing that behind academic achievements are individuals who are navigating pressure, personal struggles, and high expectations. In an environment where excellence is often prioritized, the event delivered a timely reminder: mental health is just as important as academic success.
Ms. Cora-Lynne Navalta, the College of Education, Liberal Arts, and Science (CELAS) and College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) guidance counselor from GCTAP, opened the discussion with a grounded and relatable talk on mental health in a high-pressure academic environment, reframing stress as a natural part of the college experience. She emphasized that while college is a season of growth and connection, it also brings inevitable pressure—from family expectations to heavy workloads and self-imposed standards.
Highlighting the equal importance of well-being and achievement, she shared, “Kung gaano niyo pinapahalagahan ‘yung grades ninyo, you should always take care of yourself.” The statement served as a powerful reminder that academic success becomes meaningless when health is compromised. Through practical coping strategies and encouragement toward holistic self-care, Navalta underscored that balance and realistic expectations are key to thriving in college.
She underscored the need to introduce stronger mental health initiatives within the education system, emphasizing that today’s generation is more aware and open about mental health concerns. “That's why we at GCTAP, as much as possible, we give seminars for our students so that our students have more awareness. Because that's what's needed so that we don't misuse psychological things,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of enjoying the academic journey as a key part of supporting mental health. She noted that students often become so absorbed in their responsibilities that they forget to take joy in what they do, and that adding humor and lightness can make the experience more fulfilling. “It's good if we're serious because it gives life direction. Even if we're down, we're still smiling because at the end of the day, we try to balance things. So, that's what I see. Because, you know, it's your generation. I see how much you want to excel in what you're doing. But sometimes, it's tiring. We get tired of what we're doing that we don't see the little things, we don't appreciate the little things that are happening to us. So really, we need to enjoy life in general.”
The second speaker, Atty. Lorenz Camillus Bañez from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), addressed the unique challenges of maintaining mental health in the demanding environment of law school. For Legal Management students, this is especially relevant, as their pre-law studies already mirror the academic pressure and high expectations of law school, making stress management and emotional preparedness essential early on. He explained how stress can affect physical, mental, and behavioral health, and identified common sources such as family expectations, finances, social obligations, and academic competition.
Atty. Bañez stressed the importance of introducing mental health initiatives into the education system, citing the recent rise in depression and student suicide as a pressing concern. With this he advised the students to, “Stay strong and remember their goals, and to remember that even if we encounter hardships, it’s okay. It’s a part of life. We can avoid it and just accept the same.”
For many students, the event offered more than just a discussion on mental health—it provided practical insights on managing stress and balancing college life. For Jalwin Villafor, a first year Legal Management student, “This event provided me with a perspective and vision that stress is not just a common thing. It’s a factor. As college students, we experience it all throughout our academic journey. But from a mental health and psychological perspective, I learned how to handle stress as a college student. That’s the art of how we settle our activities and manage our personal interests. Of course, we need to handle everything at the same time, even in between stressful situations.”
Similarly, for Maritoni Pia, a second year Legal Management student, “As a Legal Management student, we’re really into a lot of readings, and we do so many tasks. And not just Legal Management students—generally, students carry a lot of burdens. With this kind of event, it doesn’t just help; it reminds us to practice better self-care.”
For Legal Management students, who often juggle academic demands alongside extracurricular and personal responsibilities, finding effective coping mechanisms is essential. For Villaflor, “Actually, this event gave me the idea that I can be more than just a student. College is more than just academic responsibilities.When I’m tired and stressed, I stop. I pause and settle myself. If the water is boiling, you won’t be able to see your reflection. So you need to cool it down first so you can clearly see your reflection in the water.”
For Pia, “Maybe my coping mechanism when I’m stressed is to take a rest. Just like Sir Renzo said earlier, take a rest before fighting. In a way, it [the event] inspired me. I learned how to take care of myself and how not to pressure myself too much. These kinds of initiatives are not just one-time events—they become part of a long-term contribution to the mental well-being of students.”
The event ultimately served as an impactful reminder that academic success and mental well-being must go hand-in-hand. Through the insights of Ms. Navalta and Atty. Bañez, students were encouraged to recognize stress as a natural part of academic life, practice self-care, and rely on support systems while pursuing their goals. By fostering awareness, dialogue, and actionable guidance, LIGTAS reinforced that maintaining mental health is not just an individual responsibility, but a shared commitment within the academic commitment within the academic community. — With Reports from Abraham Reign Magbiro and Sophia Pacheco.