Negros Oriental State University’s (NORSU) Psychology Department continuously rolled out its flagship extension program, “Halad Sikolohiya Alang sa Himsog na Paghunahuna: Psychology for a Healthy Mind,” on April 11, 2026, at the NORSU Main Campus I Library Conference Room.

The research-based community extension initiative—mounted in partnership with the Negros Oriental Hotel Resort Restaurant Association Inc. (NOHRRA)—carried the theme: “Himsog nga huna-huna, lig-on na serbisyo: A psychosocial capacity-building for NOHRRA employees.” The rollout cemented the department’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

The program featured a series of lectures highlighting workplace mental health and service culture, primarily with Chizanne S. Larena, PhD, RPsy, Dean of the NORSU Graduate School, in her talk “Behind The Smile: Understanding Emotional Labor, Burnout, and Mental Health in Frontline Service Work” spotlighting Dr. Larena’s published research on emotional labor, burnout, and the need for institutionalized support systems in frontline service work; followed by Aileen Rosette M. Felix, PhD, RPsy, Director of the NORSU Gender and Development Center, who stressed inclusivity, equity, and professionalism in her talk “Gender Responsive Customer Service and Service Culture;” and capped by Annie Rose S. Taguba, RGC, RPm, Director of NORSU Student Welfare Services who emphasized mindfulness and self-care strategies in her session “Mind Over Matter At Work!” to help NOHRRA employees sustain psychological well-being in demanding work environments.

The NORSU Psychology Department expressed its deep gratitude to the administration led by University President Noel Marjon E. Yasi, Psyc. D, Vice-President for Research, Development and Extension Edwin Romano, PhD, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Priscilla S. Cielo, PhD, and NORSU Community Extension Director Guilbert Nicanor Atillo, DPA, DIT for their steadfast support. Also, special thanks to the proactive Psychology faculty headed by Ms. Mary Dawn Valencia, MA, RPm as the Department Chairperson, and to the Master of Arts in Psychology students, and 4th-Year Psychology interns whose diligent assistance in facilitating the event, along with their commitment, reinforced NORSU’s role as a catalyst for mental health advocacy in the service and tourism industry.