“Who makes us happy? What truly makes us happy?”
This was the question posed by Mindoro State University (MinSU) President, Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, as she welcomed students and educators to the regional launch and first leg of the "Maambeng Project" held at the MinSU Main Campus Auditorium today, March 24.
The project title, Maambeng, is derived from the Cuyunon word meaning "happy" or "joyful." This initiative by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – UniFAST MIMAROPA aims to provide a supportive environment for tertiary students, particularly beneficiaries of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931).
In her keynote message, Dr. Apostol emphasized that happiness is a deserved right for every student balancing the weight of academic life.
“Fill your life with things that can make you happy. Deserved nyong sumaya! (You deserve to be happy!)” Dr. Apostol said, encouraging the youth to find balance amidst their studies.
Echoing this sentiment, CHED MIMAROPA Regional Director, Prof. Edna Imelda F. Legazpi, highlighted that "Maambeng" is about the dual responsibility of caring for oneself to better care for others.
“It is important to have activities like this to pause, reflect, and recharge,” Prof. Legazpi said. “There are choices in life. Choose to be happy,” she stated.
She concluded her message with a heartfelt reminder for all participants:
“May your Maambeng minds be curious and Maambeng hearts be open today and every day.”
Hon. Arnan C. Panaligan, Oriental Mindoro 1st District Representative also graced the event, linking mental well-being to effective citizenship. He reminded the participants that a healthy internal state reflects on one’s contribution to society.
“If happy ang mind and happy ang heart, you will be a happy citizen,” Panaligan remarked.
The veteran legislator further challenged the students to embody the resilience of an eagle. “Maging katulad sana kayo ng agila - matayog ang lipad sa hamon ng bagyo at unos ng buhay (May you be like the eagle - soaring high despite the storms and trials of life),” he added.
Choosing the 'Maambeng' Life
The launch featured Dr. Kris Hanley Dalan, Psychologist and Education Supervisor II, as the resource speaker. Leading the session titled "Happy Yan! Relax and Recharge," Dr. Dalan provided a professional perspective on emotional well-being.
Citing Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness, Dr. Dalan defined happiness as "the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile."
The session underscored a powerful takeaway: "Happiness is a choice."
In the second session, "Happy Yan! Daily Recharge Routine," students participated in workshops to manage their morning resets and evening wind-downs.
Participants also created "The LAB Shield" (Love and Believe in Yourself), where they identified three things they truly love about themselves, set three boundaries for the semester, and mapped out a support circle of trusted individuals.
The event concluded with a powerful collective recitation of the 10 Maambeng Affirmations, with voices filling the auditorium: "Ako ay sapat. Ako ay maambeng. I am worthy."
The Maambeng Project is anchored on the HAPPINESS framework—Holistic, Aruga, Pag-asa, Paglago, Inclusivity, Nurturing resilience, Empowerment, Stewardship, and Systematic joy—aligning with the ASSIST Agenda of UniFAST to ensure mental health remains the foundation for academic success. (jdtdc)
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