The Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Psychology Department has launched a new extension program titled “Halad Sikolohiya Alang Sa Himsug Na Panghuna-huna” (Psychology for a Healthy Mind). This initiative is in collaboration with the Negros Oriental Hotel Resort Restaurant Association, Inc. (NOHRRA).
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was held today, November 26, 2025, at the CIT AVR, NORSU Main Campus I. Representing the University was no less than the NORSU President, Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, while representing the association was the NOHRRA President, Ms. Royani S. Dy.
This extension program marks a major step in NORSU’s mission to employ psychological expertise to enhance community well-being while supporting the tourism sector’s economic development in Negros Oriental. The project took inspiration from the published research of Dr. Chizanne S. Larena, which examined emotional labor and burnout among frontline hotel employees in Philippine tourism—an evidence-based initiative that underscored the need for mental health support, resilience training, and well-being programs for hospitality workers.
Under the agreement, NOHRRA shall:
1) Provide trainees with skills training and development through well-being and productivity workshops focusing on capacity building, resilience, skills application, leadership, and sustainability based on the identified needs of the beneficiaries, and assist in ensuring the safety of participants and facilitators.
2) Conduct quarterly monitoring and evaluation together with the core team.
3) Provide necessary materials and funds for participants’ transportation and extend full support for the sustainability of the training courses.
NORSU, on the other hand, shall:
1) Provide resource persons and professional experts for the skills training courses and other seminar-workshop sessions through Community Development programs.
2) Allow the use of university facilities, laboratories, and equipment for practicum and hands-on training.
The MOA signing was formally opened by Dr. Guilbert Nicanor A. Atillo, followed by the presentation of the rationale by Dr. Chizanne S. Larena. An inspirational message was also delivered by University President Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi. Ms. Mary Dawn Valencia, current Psychology Department Head, formally closed the ceremony.