The University of San Carlos Kauban Psychological Center has been honored with the Liwanag sa Komunidad Award by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) during its 75th Anniversary National Convention held on October 24–25, 2025 at Seda Vertis North in Quezon City.

The award recognizes organizations that strengthen community well-being through accessible mental health support and psychosocial care, especially in local government and grassroots settings. Kauban (or companion) was cited for its sustained service to communities often left out of formal care systems and its role in normalizing conversations on mental health from the ground up.

What began as Kauban Ta sa Paglambo—a modest peer support initiative born out of quiet listening and accompaniment—has evolved into a center that continues the University’s mission of forming persons-in-community. By offering safe spaces, community education, and psychological services that meet people where they are, Kauban makes mental health care more approachable and culturally grounded.

For USC, the recognition affirms that mission-driven work need not be grand to be transformative—it can begin with presence, empathy, and a steady commitment to listen.

“When we started Kauban, we only wanted to provide a safe space and make mental health services more accessible. Never did it cross my mind that one day, our efforts would be recognized this way. This award reminds me that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can create ripples of healing in the community,” said Dr. Sherryl Muli-Abellanosa, head of the USC Kauban Psychological Center.

The Liwanag sa Komunidad (or Light of the Community) Award not only celebrates Kauban’s milestone but also underscores the role of universities as companions to society—places where care is not just taught but lived.