The Ateneo Laboratory for the Learning Sciences (ALLS), in collaboration with the Ateneo Public Mental Health Collaborative (APMHC), took part in the Department of Education’s YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan and Audit of Nationwide Mental Health Hotline and Learner Support Centers at General Tiburcio de Leon National High School (GTDLNHS) on May 11, 2026.
ALLS and APMHC representatives Layla Villanueva, Jesther Resuello, Tina Alfonso, Ann Braga, and Dr. Camille Yusay demonstrated the bullying prevention materials they developed for both parents and students. Layla and Jesther facilitated the students’ game sessions of MahikaSama, an anti-bullying card game for high school students that uses interactive gameplay to raise awareness of possible bullying scenarios and appropriate ways to respond. Both digital and physical versions of the game were showcased. The participating students are part of the school’s Peer Facilitators program, now equipped with the necessary skills to facilitate MahikaSama sessions with the rest of the student body.
Meanwhile, Tina, Ann, and Dr. Camille engaged parents through a series of comics aimed at helping them recognize and respond to bullying situations in their children’s lives. The event was attended by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and members of DepEd and Valenzuela LGU, who visited the game sessions and discussions facilitated by the representatives.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara observing students of General Tiburcio de Leon National High School as Layla Villanueva hosts a game of MahikaSama. (Photo: DepEd Philippines Facebook Page)
Jesther Resuello explaining the game’s mechanics and rationale to Education Secretary Sonny Angara as students play the card game. (Photo: DepEd Philippines Facebook Page)
Tina, Ann, and Dr. Camille with the parents of General Tiburcio de Leon National High School students and the bullying prevention comic strips presented. (Photo: RenewHealth Facebook Page)
