Pisay Main opens doors to Student Wellness Center

The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Main Campus has unveiled a significant addition to its facilities: a Student Wellness Center, a landmark project initiated by Pisay ’98 to mark their silver jubilee celebration.

Recognizing the importance of mental health and well-being alongside academic excellence, Pisay ’98 envisioned the center as a vital resource for the PSHS community. The project transformed a previously neglected office space into a vibrant and welcoming haven for students. After its opening on January 9, 2025, the center quickly became a favorite spot for students seeking a break from their demanding schedules.

Dubbed “Josie’s Nook” in tribute to Mrs. Josefina Yu, co-founder and matriarch of SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., the center aims to help students manage stress and develop coping strategies for their academic challenges. Designed with natural elements, soothing colors, and adaptable spaces, it offers an environment ideal for relaxation and personal growth. Since its inauguration, students have embraced the space for activities such as playing board games, engaging in arts and crafts, and finding respite from their studies.

From left:
1. Mr. Glenn L. Yu, CEO, SEAOIL Philippines, Inc
2. Dr. Rod Allan De Lara, Director, PSHS Main
3. Dr. Faith Anne Buenaventura-Alcazaren, PSHS Batch 98
4. Mr. Stephen L. Yu, President (Commercial) and COO, SEAOIL Philippines, Inc
5. Mr. Mark L. Yu, President (Retail) and CFO, SEAOIL Philippines, Inc

“We wanted to make sure that we do something meaningful because to us, Philippine Science High School is not just our school, it is our home,” said Rebecca Ricalde of Pisay ’98.

“This project reflects our gratitude and our hope to make it a home for many more to come.”

Among those who attended the inauguration were Mr. Glenn L. Yu, CEO of SEAOIL Philippines; Mr. Stephen L. Yu, President (Commercial) and COO of SEAOIL Philippines; Mr. Mark L. Yu, President (Retail) and CFO of SEAOIL Philippines; Mr. Karlo Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies; Mr. Orlando Bautista, CEO of E*Chimes Pharmaceutical; Dr. Rod Allan De Lara, Director of PSHS Main Campus; Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, Chairman of the PSHS Foundation; Mr. Isabelo P. Africa, President of the PSHS Foundation; interior designer Maria Monica Clarino Tongol; architect Marvin Tongol; alumni from PSHS Batch 98; members of the PSHS faculty and staff; PSHS Foundation Board Members and officers; as well as students and parents.

Pisay ’98 acknowledged the support of donors, alumni, and the PSHS community in making the project come to fruition. “Today, we not only recognize the gifts that transform our school environment but also honor the spirit of giving that is alive (not just) in our alumni community, but also in the bigger Filipino community,” Ricalde said.

Aside from SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., Palawan Pay (Mr. Karlo Castro, B98, and Mrs. Maria Claribelle Ogerio-Castro, B99), Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino and Atty. Melanie Sia-Lambino, the Asian Institute of Management, Organica Nutrition Inc. and E*Chimes Pharmaceutical Inc. supported the initiative.

For his part, Mark Yu of SEAOIL expressed hope that the Wellness Center, which symbolizes their family’s commitment to advancing education in the Philippines, hopes that the new space will help transform students’ educational journey at Pisay.

“I’m hoping that the memories for that room moving forward will now change to something where they look back and they say, this is where I had the best time when I was in Pisay,” Yu said.