CMU Inaugurates Php705 Thousand worth New GCC building

January 24 marks the Opening and Blessing Ceremony of the New Guidance and Counseling Center Building (formerly called PTGC) amounting Php 705,000.00 implemented by the CMU administration.

Present during the event are Dr. Jose Alexander C. Abella, Officer-In-Charge and VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ronel V. Sudaria, VP for RGMO, Prof. Mary Grace B. Pacatang, the GCC Director, the ADCO members and different guests who are one way or another part of the collaborative effort to realize the event.

This opening, accordingly, serves as another milestone of the office on their journey in serving the university and the students.  “…this truly would serve the students’ needs in terms of guidance and counseling,” said Prof. Pacatang.

Prof. Pacatang is the newly designated Director of the office, expressed her gratitude to the administration for the unwavering support by investing a huge amount to fund the completion of the building.

“It is an honor and privilege on our part to be granted with this new building and it would serve as another motivation to provide more quality services to our students,” she said in an interview.

According to her, the GCC envisions change, which is symbolized by a butterfly. Since butterfly represents change and when people (student) come into guidance and counseling, it is the core cause of the office to deliver change for the betterment of their clientele.

Moreover, Dr. Abella extended his heartfelt congratulations for the event and the new facility on behalf of the CMU President, Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije.

According to him, the event is an embodiment that the current administration is committed to serving the studentry fully. “Having OSA and GCC in one roof would better serve the students and facilitate [speed up] the processing especially during enrolment,” he added.

“I think there will be more to come and I hope this new facility serves its purpose very well so that our students will be holistically developed not only in academics but also in leadership as well as having the right attitude as future professionals,” Dr. Abella said during his message.

The liturgy of the office dedication was officiated by two pastors, namely: Pastor Maxwell B. Libnao and Pastor Arthur Morales. Interns and members of the SSC also showcased their talents during the event and a banquet was served after the program.

The office provides guidance and counseling services through walk-in or referrals system such as Psychological Testing services (IQ, EQ, personality, etc), Counseling services, Proactive Guidance services through conducting seminars and extension services like psychosocial stress debriefing, leadership, teambuilding and strategic planning services as enumerated by the GCC Director.

Moreover, teachers are encouraged to refer students who are isolated and tend to be depressed based on their intelligent observation; and students who have a lot of failing grades because these are signs that they need guidance and counseling.

The new office is strategically located near Fulbright Gardens, the back portion of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The office is staffed with three licensed guidance counselors assigned to handle different colleges, one licensed psychometrician, four administrative staff, and has few interns.| Hiedy S. Cañete