Symposium Speaker Dr. Ceniza Highlights Filipino Psychology at PRCP–WACP Joint Congress
Dr. Rose Anelyn V. Ceniza, faculty member of the BS Psychology program of Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), served as a symposium speaker at the Joint Congress of the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists (PRCP) and the World Association of Cultural Psychiatry (WACP) held September 25–28, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.
In her presentation, “Catharsis, Healing and Recovery: Approaches to Helping Sexually-abused Children,” Dr. Ceniza discussed evidence-based and indigenized psychosocial interventions implemented at the Reception Study and Diagnostic Center (RSDC) in Davao Oriental, a government-operated residential care facility that assists disadvantaged children, women, elderly people, and families who have experienced abuse. Framed within Filipino Psychology constructs of kapwa and pakiramdam, the presentation emphasized culturally resonant strategies such as music and art therapies and other collective approaches that prioritize resilience and community support.
Convened under the banner “Where the Pacific Rim Meets the World; the Hope to Integrate Culture into Psychiatry,” the congress brought together leading professionals, researchers, and academics to address emerging challenges and advances in psychiatry and psychology. Dr. Ceniza’s contribution added a Mindanao-grounded, culture-centered perspective to the global discourse on survivor care and mental health.
Her successful participation strengthened DOrSU’s global academic footprint and directly advanced the University’s GROWTH framework, particularly Globalization and Internationalization (through international representation and scholarly linkages), Research Excellence and Innovation (by disseminating culture-informed, evidence-based practices grounded in Filipino Psychology), and Holistic Development and Culture of Care (by underscoring integrated, survivor-centered support systems that nurture resilience and well-being).
DOrSU extends its congratulations to Dr. Rose Anelyn V. Ceniza for representing the University with distinction. Insights from her work will inform classroom instruction, strengthen community partnerships, and further DOrSU’s commitment to culturally grounded, evidence-based mental health care.
