MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Malaybalay City has become the first local government unit in the country to pilot Emotional Intelligence (EI) training for teachers and learners, supporting ASEAN’s push to strengthen mental health and emotional well-being in schools and communities

Project 12, a Human Project Foundation initiative, gathered Malaybalay Division teachers from May 4 to 9 for a workshop focused on emotional resilience, empathy, and classroom engagement.

Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran said the city recognizes the need to prioritize emotional development as schools address mental wellness, social pressures, and behavioral concerns.

“It is high time we give equal weight to students’ emotional development alongside academic growth,” Pabillaran said, emphasizing that a supplemental budget funded the training.

Founders Joshua and Caroline Pilapil established the Project 12 program to promote wellness through emotional coaching and the formation of values.

“Originally launched in the United States across 59 schools, Project 12 makes its Philippine rollout in Malaybalay. Students who manage emotions and build healthy relationships are better prepared for challenges in and out of school,” Pilapil said.

As the lead implementing agency, the city government asserts that the initiative complements the national government’s mental health programs by equipping teachers with skills to identify stress and nurture supportive learning environments.

Organizers said the sessions sharpened conflict-management skills and helped teachers recognize learners needing urgent emotional guidance.

Airport Village Elementary School teacher Jean L. Bajala said the sessions encouraged educators to become more responsive to students’ emotional needs.

“Project 12 helps students discover their purpose and develop the maturity of responsible citizens at par with ASEAN standards,” Bajala said, expressing optimism that the move will nurture a more resilient, emotionally intelligent generation. (BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)