Student leaders, guidance counselors, Student Affairs and Services practitioners, educators, researchers, and policymakers came together at the GINHAWA Student Well-Being Summit 2026 to examine the realities shaping student life in higher education. Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the summit drew participants from higher education institutions, government agencies, student organizations, and partner institutions, bringing multiple perspectives into a shared conversation on the student experience. Anchored on the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Student Healthy Learning Institution framework, the discussions drew from institutional experiences, student perspectives, and frameworks such as the Pathway to Health and Well-Being Framework in Higher Education.
Although discussions were organized around distinct topics, conversation frequently revealed the interconnected nature of student experiences. Academic pressures, social relationships, digital engagement, well-being, and future aspirations often surfaced within the same discussions, reflecting how challenge and opportunities in one area of student life can influence others.
The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), led by Chairperson – Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, joined these conversations and contributed perspectives grounded prevention, public health, and evidence-informed practice. In his message Secretary Valenzuela highlighted the role of preventive education in supporting healthy development, resilience, and informed decision-making among young people.
Contributing to these discussions were key personnel from the Board’s Policy Studies, Research, and Statistics Division (PSRSD) who facilitated the conversations on personal and social well-being. Together, the sessions explores themes such as mental health, coping strategies, help-seeking behavior, peer support, belongingness, engagement, and healthy relationships, bringing student experiences into dialogue with prevention and public health perspectives.
Insights emerging from the plenary and breakout discussions revealed recurring themes across the different conversations, reinforcing the interconnected nature of the experiences raised throughout the summit and providing participants at opportunity to reflect on them from multiple perspectives.
Concluding the summit, DDB Permanent Member – Undersecretary Abad Osit underscored the value of sustained collaboration among educators, practitioners, student leaders, and institutions in supporting learners throughout their educational journey. He likewise emphasized the importance of prevention education and evidence-based initiatives in promoting student development and well-being.
