Report by Diovince Paulo Kinaging
Xavier University Psychology Society (XUPS) is a co-curricular organization for all psychology students of Xavier Ateneo. XUPS envisions, among others, for its members to become well adept to the psychological theories and processes, competent and well-grounded for their future careers, and devoted to the psychological development of the self and the community.
True to these aims of the organization, XUPS serves as the host of the 3rd Northern Mindanao Psychology Convention, bearing the theme, “Discovering the Current Trends of Philippine Psychology” from February 9 to 11 at the Dynasty Court Hotel.
The said confab is an annual gathering of psychology undergraduates across Northern Mindanao, including its neighboring regions.
For its third year, the theme puts the spotlight on the current trends and issues the field of psychology faces in the Philippine setting.
The convention features a keynote address, three plenary sessions, research presentations, workshops, open fora, and social night.
The keynote session, to be delivered by Ateneo de Davao University's Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services director Dr Rhodora Gail Ilagan, will focus on the emerging research directions of Philippine psychology.
The three plenary sessions will tackle various fields of psychology. The first plenary session by Dr Hector Perez will tackle the issues surrounding mental health and why mental health awareness is important in our society today. The second plenary session by Dr Herc Sabas will center on industrial/organizational psychology wherein the topic contains the emerging roles that human resource management plays in workplace; why a lot of companies are already hiring graduates of psychology in the HR position; and, why psychology is also important in workplaces. The last session by Lester Raimundo Lintao will focus on the role of psychology in the midst of the technological advancements and new media.
On the other hand, Dr Leo Labrador, Dr Joey Marie Jegonia, and Dr Mary Rachelle Wapaño will conduct different workshops aimed at enabling the students to discover the different aspects of psychology that need more attention. Selected faculty and students from participating schools will also present their research papers at the confab.
Through the support given by the XU Psychology Department to its students to organize this event, XUPS is looking forward to the success of the activities they have prepared for the participants.
Besides drawing together psychology students and professionals in the region to this convention, it also aims to build their network to broaden their knowledge on the field and how to use it for future endeavors.∎
