Teachers today carry responsibilities far beyond lesson plans, quizzes, and classroom instruction. In a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, social pressures, and emotional challenges, educators are increasingly called to become mentors, counselors, and safe spaces for students navigating life’s complexities.
Recognizing this growing need, the Adventist church in the Southwestern Philippines (SwPUC) recently gathered educators for a Joint Teachers’ Orientation on April 28, 2026, focusing on two important topics affecting schools today: mental health and responsible technology use.
The orientation brought together teachers from the North-Central Mindanao (NCMC), Central Mindanao (CMM), and Northeastern Mindanao (NEMM) to reflect on how schools can create learning environments that are both compassionate and future-ready.
Understanding the Silent Struggles Students Face
One of the event’s key presentations, “Mental Health Matters,” was led by Dr. Christopher S. Del Monte, who encouraged teachers to look deeper into the emotional realities students experience every day.
Dr. Del Monte emphasized that bullying remains one of the major concerns affecting student well-being. More than simple disagreements between classmates, bullying involves intentional harm, repeated behavior, and an imbalance of power. He explained that bullying can appear in many forms—physical, verbal, relational, online, disability-based, gender-related, faith-based, and even through harmful actions unintentionally enabled by adults.
For many students, the emotional impact of bullying extends far beyond the classroom. It can affect confidence, academic performance, relationships, and mental health.
But instead of only identifying the problem, Dr. Del Monte challenged educators to become part of the healing process.
He reminded attendees that harmful behavior often develops from deeper struggles involving family dynamics, peer influence, personal experiences, or unhealthy environments. Because of this, teachers are called not only to discipline but also to understand.
“As a Christian institution, it is important for teachers to reflect the values of grace, care, and Christlike compassion in how they guide their students,” Dr. Del Monte shared.
The presentation highlighted an important truth: students learn best in environments where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Technology: Enemy or Opportunity?
As classrooms become increasingly digital, schools continue to wrestle with one pressing question: How can technology be used responsibly without negatively affecting students?
During the afternoon session titled “Courageous Conversations: Balanced Tech Use in School,” Dr. Alevir Pido explored this growing challenge and encouraged educators to approach technology with wisdom instead of fear.
Rather than simply banning gadgets or viewing technology as the enemy, Dr. Pido advocated for intentional guidance and digital discipline. She challenged teachers to help students develop healthy habits and self-control in using technology responsibly.
Grounding her message in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Dr. Pido emphasized the importance of stewardship, accountability, and personal discipline—even in digital spaces.
She acknowledged growing concerns about excessive smartphone use among young people, including shortened attention spans, declining academic focus, disrupted social interaction, and emotional stress. Yet instead of relying purely on punishment, she encouraged schools to adopt restorative approaches that educate students about responsible choices.
Her message centered on a simple but powerful idea: students need guidance, not just restrictions.
“How can we transform Adventist education?” Dr. Pido asked participants, urging schools to remain mission-centered while adapting to the realities of the digital age.
Building Schools That Care
The orientation served as more than just a training event. It became a reminder that education is ultimately about people.
Whether addressing bullying, mental health, or technology use, both sessions emphasized the importance of creating school environments rooted in empathy, intentional care, and meaningful relationships.
For Adventist educators, the conversation also reflected a broader mission—to nurture not only the minds of students, but also their emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
As schools continue navigating modern challenges, initiatives like the Joint Teachers’ Orientation demonstrate that education remains strongest when compassion and wisdom work together.
The original article was published in the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference website.