QUEZON CITY — The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Main Campus has officially unveiled a new Student Wellness Center, a significant initiative spearheaded by the PSHS Batch 1998 as part of their silver jubilee celebration.

Recognizing the growing need for mental health support among students, Pisay ’98 envisioned the project as a way to complement the school’s commitment to academic excellence by fostering a supportive environment for student well-being.

The batch collaborated with professionals to transform an old, deteriorating office into a vibrant, inviting space, which quickly became popular among students after its January 9, 2025, opening.

The facility, affectionately called “Josie’s Nook,” honors Mrs. Josefina Yu, co-founder and matriarch of SEAOIL Philippines, Inc. It is designed to provide a calm and flexible environment where students can unwind and develop coping strategies for the challenges of academic life. The center’s interiors incorporate natural elements, calming colors, and adaptable spaces to promote relaxation and growth.

Following its launch, students have enjoyed activities such as board games, arts and crafts, and moments of quiet reprieve from their studies.

“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,” shared Rebecca Ricalde, of Pisay ’98.

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

Pisay ’98 expressed their appreciation to the alumni community, donors, and the PSHS network for their support in bringing the project to life.

“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.

Stephen Yu of SEAOIL highlighted the family’s dedication to education and expressed optimism about the impact of the wellness center.

“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.

The project received backing from various organizations and individuals, including SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., Palawan Pay (led by Mr. Karlo Castro of Batch ’98 and Mrs. Maria Claribelle Ogerio-Castro of Batch ’99), Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, Atty. Melanie Sia-Lambino, the Asian Institute of Management, Organica Nutrition Inc., and E*Chimes Pharmaceutical Inc.

The inauguration event was attended by prominent figures, including 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, PSHS Main Campus Director; and Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, Chairman of the PSHS Foundation. Other attendees included PSHS Batch ’98 alumni, members of the PSHS faculty and staff, PSHS Foundation officers, students, and parents.

📷 PSHS Batch 1998