SEARCA, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Graduate School, organized a workshop titled "New Year, New You: Coping Strategies to Improve Mental Health" on 9 January 2024 at SEARCA, College, Los Baños, Laguna. Prof. Dr. Firdaus Mukhtar, professor of Clinical Psychology and deputy dean for Admission, Institutional Relations & Financial Aid Unit at the School of Graduate Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and president of the Asian Cognitive Behavior Therapies Association, spearheaded the workshop. Drawing on her expertise, Prof. Dr. Firdaus guided the attendees on effective ways to manage their mental health.

During the session, Prof. Dr. Firdaus discussed the distinction between mental health and mental illness, providing a comprehensive overview of common mental disorders. Furthermore, she shared the different factors contributing to poor mental health and offered practical insights into implementing coping strategies, including simple exercises. The workshop seamlessly blended informative lectures and instructional videos with hands-on activities to create an engaging and interactive learning environment.

The event's significance highlights the collaboration between UPLB and UPM, both members of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resource (UC), with SEARCA serving as its secretariat. Prof. Dr. Firdaus serves as UC coordinator for UPM while Dr. Jomar F. Rabajante, dean of UPLB's Graduate School serves as UC coordinator for UPLB. The Consortium continuously fosters collaboration among top agricultural universities, facilitating the free exchange of information, facilities, and expertise, through joint activities. The event not only addressed the vital aspects of mental health but also underscored the collaborative efforts of the UC in pursuing academic excellence and the holistic development of individuals in the Southeast Asian region.