I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers, Inc. will hold its third mental health forum, MAD Talk Padayon, at Cinema 6, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, on Oct. 19. The event, which coincides with World Mental Health Month, focuses on the link between volunteerism and mental well-being.
The forum comes amid growing concerns about mental health issues, which have been identified as one of the top five causes of dropout rates in Philippine higher education institutions.
The event will feature poetry readings from Mga Tala at Tula, a collection by Filipino author Ron Canimo. His poetry community was recognized in 2020 as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) for its work in promoting healing through creative writing.
Speakers include nursing board exam topnotcher Jao Jundam, who will share his experience working odd jobs before becoming a nurse in Australia, as well as mental health coach Ymari Kristia Pascua. Actor Sky Quizon is also set to speak.
Tickets for the event start at P99, with proceeds benefiting I am MAD’s 2025 MAD Camps program. The event is supported by SM Cares, the National Youth Commission, and The New Channel.
