SAN JOSE, Tarlac — The Provincial Government of Tarlac, through the Department of Education Schools Division Office (DepEd SDO) Tarlac and the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), conducted Project CALM (Creating Awareness for Lasting Mental Wellness) on September 29 at Iba High School in San Jose.
The health caravan aimed to educate students on mental health, healthy choices, and substance abuse prevention. Discussions led by SDO Tarlac representatives covered Mental Health, Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH), and the National Drug Education Program (NDEP), emphasizing awareness on illegal drugs and related legal issues.
Project CALM is a DepEd Tarlac initiative that has been implemented in multiple versions since May 2025, with subsequent memoranda for Version 2.0 issued in February 2026.
Students also joined a creative workshop using acrylic paint, pencils, tote bags, and colored markers as a way to express themselves through art. This approach aligns with the Department of Education’s suggested strategies for mental health education, which include creative activities like poster making, meditation, and guided reflection exercises to help learners process emotions and build coping skills.
The event comes amid growing national attention to youth mental health. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12080, the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, in December 2024, mandating the establishment of Care Centers in every public school to provide counseling, stress management workshops, and programs that reduce mental health stigma.
The event was held under the leadership of Governor Christian Yap, with Vice Governor Lita Aquino, as the provincial government continues to support programs for the health, welfare, and development of Tarlac’s youth.
“Dito sa programang ito, they will feel that they belong,” the Provincial Government of Tarlac highlighted.
Organizers said Project CALM will be conducted again in other schools across the province to reach more Tarlaqueño students.
