We are now accepting applications for Buong Loob's Spring 2025 cohort! Apply here.

Spring 2024 Buong Loob and Youth Contingency Interns at our annual graduation ceremony and despedida.    Photographed by Harvey Lozada (2024).

Buong Loob: Filipinx Student Wellness Internship 

buô: wholeness; loob: inner self

Established in 2021, the Buong Loob: Filipinx Student Wellness Internship, also referred to as Buong Loob, provides Filipina/o/x and Filipina/o/x American identified 10th/11th/12th grade high school students in SFUSD opportunities to learn about mental health and wellbeing through education, leadership, and community engagement. Through culturally relevant education and project-based learning, we aim to reduce mental health stigma and promote a supportive environment where students can thrive and support one another in their wellness journeys. We envision a future where all Filipinx and Filipina/o/x American youth have access to culturally responsive mental health resources and support systems, enabling them to embrace their identities, cultivate resilience, and lead initiatives that enhance the well-being of their communities.

Commitments & Eligibility for Spring 2025

INTERNSHIP CYCLE
January 16th, 2025 to May 16th, 2025 (18 weeks)

ELIGIBILITY

• SFUSD High School 10th/11th/12th grader
• Taken an Ethnic Studies course or interest in mental health advocacy work in the Filipina/o/x community.  *Contact Ms. Tiffany San Jose ([email protected]) for details.
• Must attend online mandatory Buong Loob Intern Orientation on December 12th from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

INCENTIVES

• Earn $20.25 per hour. Hired as an SFUSD Intern.
• 11th & 12th graders earn CSU/UC transferable college credits upon completion of internship
• Certification in teen Mental Health First Aid (Takes place outside of regular program hours. Led by an instructor; in-person).
• College and career exploration in the fields of psychology, public health, education, and social work
• Develop leadership skills and build community with peers
• Great addition to LinkedIn profile or college resume

​
MEETING LOCATION & TIME
Philip & Sala Burton High School (400 Mansell Street, San Francisco, CA 94134). Internship meetings are in-person, every Thursday from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM. There are no options to participate virtually. Interns will also be required to attend community events scheduled outside of the Thursday sessions off campus. Program leaders will share calendar dates in a timely manner.

​STIPEND INFORMATION
The program cycle is 18 weeks from January 2025-May 2025. Hourly pay is $20.25. Interns are employed through SFUSD and paid quarterly.  Interns must complete onboarding requirements with SFUSD and attend a mandatory orientation.

The due date to submit applications is Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024. Applicants will be added to a waitlist, once the program reaches enrollment capacity. NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED.

Download our 1-page outreach flier here.

APPLY

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Check out more Buong Loob 2024 Highlights on Instagram!

Buong Loob Interns at the 1st annual "Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference," a youth-led mental health conference for Filipinx identified high schoolers. Photographed by Michelle Lapitan (2022).

Buong Loob x Galing Bata x Gamut sa Puso Boba Date at Yerba Buena Gardens.  Photographed by Harvey Lozada (2024).

Buong Loob Interns on graduation day at Spark Social. Photographed by Verma Zapanta (2022).

Student Testimonials

"This internship made me no longer afraid of mental health. I've always seen mental health as a sort of bad thing partially being because of the stigma that accompanies it but also because of my own experiences with mental health. But ever since joining this internship, it helped me realize that mental health is more complex than it is complicated. Especially the mental health of Filipinxs or folks of color in general. Our mental health has been affected since the very first day we were exposed to the world. We inherit so many of our past generations' way of thought and feeling. And I feel like, things like this make it so that we have to put in so much work and effort to not only understand our own mental health, but to tend to and make progress in our healing and wellness journey." -Buong Loob Intern 2022

"This program not only gave me an outlet to talk to when I’m uncomfortable talking to my family, but also taught me how to approach a family member, how to teach them about mental health, and how I can help them be a better ally." - Buong Loob Intern 2023

"This program gave me the tools to tackle mental health issues and the related stigma in the Filipinx community. It helped me understand deeply how our culture shapes our views and actions towards mental health. I acquired skills on how to talk about mental health with respect for cultural differences, and also on offering help and resources to those who need them. Furthermore, I have acquired abilities in connecting with the community and teaching them. These are very important for lessening negative beliefs and making more people know about mental health issues among Filipinx people. In general, this program has given me strength to create good changes regarding how we see mental health problems and deal with them in the Filipinx society, including dealing with family matters, educational settings or when interacting with friends." - Buong Loob Intern 2024

"Buong Loob" Internship Highlights

Buong Loob Airmail Project Highlight Reel (Spring 2024).  A middle school student mentorship project in collaboration with Galing Bata: Filipino Education Center.

"A lil wholesome video which entails specific things people around us do that we appreciate. ;) We hope this provides an idea of what things adults can do to help us or show that we're cared for, in everyday life.  It also pinpoints things adults may not realize is very important to us in feeling loved, heard, supported, and comforted." -Filipinx Student Wellness Interns 2021
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A Mental Health Tool Kit for Adult Allies.  Digital media and video created by FMHI-SF "Filipinx Student Wellness Interns."
​ All rights reserved. Do not duplicate without permission. (2021)

Extended Learning Opportunities

"Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference: Youth Contingency Internship" Program

Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference logo designed by 2021 Youth Contingency intern, Angelina C. in collaboration with Nicholas Sayo and our community partners at Bayani Art . 

Program Overview

"The "Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference" is an annual youth-led, mental health education event organized by a YOUTH CONTINGENCY composed of past and present Buong Loob: Filipinx Student Wellness Internship interns.

In this paid, semester-long internship, Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference: Youth Contingency leaders engage in various project-based learning activities to determine the wellness needs of SFUSD's Filipino & Filipina/o/x American high school population and create humanizing learning spaces in the form of a conference. We aim to create opportunities for Filipina/o/x and Filipina/o/x American identified high schoolers to discuss topics related to Filipinx cultural values, identity, and mental health stigma while centering the student experience. 

Learn more

Buong Loob 2022 Interns facilitating a mental health education workshop for Adult Allies at the 1st annual "Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference." Photographed by Michelle Lapitan (2022).

Meet our Team

Program Development

[email protected]

 Harvey Lozada, ACSW, PPSC (he/him/his)
Buong Loob Coordinator

Harvey Lozada is a fourth-generation FRISCOPINO.  He is an educator, community worker, healer, filmmaker, photographer, and visual storyteller.  Harvey’s healing journey began with community activism and engaging young people in the juvenile justice system. For nearly 20 years, he has dedicated his life to disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline through youth leadership development and culturally responsive counseling services for children and families throughout San Francisco. Harvey currently serves as a Transition Specialist at the San Francisco County Office of Education and Woodside Learning Center in San Francisco Unified School District.  He served the FMHI-SF community as a Core Member and co-founder of the "Buong Loob: Filipinx Student Wellness Internship" and "Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference: Youth Contingency Internship" programs.

[email protected]

Verma Soria Zapanta, M.Ed (she/her)
Program Coordinator

Verma Soria Zapanta is a mental health educator, holistic wellness practitioner, and proud San Francisco native. Prior to delving into mental health and holistic wellness work, Verma was a high school Ethnic Studies History teacher in SFUSD, LAUSD, and taught/mentored graduate students in teacher education programs at UCLA and St. Mary’s College. She has over 17 years of experience in curriculum design, instructional coaching, and implementing school-wide educational frameworks that combine college-focused academics, rigorous technical education, work/project-based learning, and personalized student support. Verma is one of the Program Coordinators at the Filipino Mental Health Initiative of San Francisco (FMHI-SF), a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and serves as the Assistant Director of Pin@y Educational Partnerships. She is the co-founder of the "Buong Loob: Filipinx Student Wellness Internship" and "Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference: Youth Contingency Internship" programs.

Young Adult Ally (Y.A.A.) Interns

Meet our Young Adult Ally (Y.A.A.) Interns of Spring 2024. Y.A.A. Interns are Buong Loob Alumni​ and proud SFUSD high school graduates, who are pursuing careers in the fields of mental health, holistic wellness, and/or education. Y.A.A. Interns support the Buong Loob community with classroom facilitation, peer mentorship, and more!

Allanah Francine Guevara (she/her)
Buong Loob Alumni, class of 2022

Allanah Guevara is a second-generation daughter of Filipino immigrants from the island of Luzon born and raised in Ramaytush Ohlone territory. With her love for the arts, she spends most of her time drawing and looking for inspiration within nature and her daily life to express herself. Allanah graduated from Balboa High School and is currently a student at the City College of San Francisco. Her dream is to be able to help others in their healing process physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What does mental health meant to you?
 Mental health goes on par with all aspects of our health. Tending to one's mental health is a very fundamental act for balancing all of our health needs. If one component of our overall health is falling behind, then it affects the entirety of our well-being and spirit. The normalization and building of safe spaces to speak on wellness and mental health is crucial to not only the Filipinx community but also Black and Brown communities altogether. To create harmony and make our way towards unity, we need to learn how to heal and care for one another. Through this process, we can break cycles of pain and trauma and collectively help others through their struggles.

Annika Franco (she/her)
Buong Loob Alumni, class of 2023

Annika Franco is an alumni and Young Adult Ally Intern to the Buong Loob: Filipinx Student Wellness Internship. She believes in the importance of mental health advocacy for youths and participated in mental health/wellbeing related workshops and knowledge sharings. Annika is a daughter to Filipino immigrants and was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a current student at City College of San Francisco with plans to transfer into a 4-year University, and is studying to pursue a career in community development.

What does mental health meant to you?
I believe mental health means learning to understand our own individual limits and boundaries, and affects our mental, physical and social well-being. It's important for us to normalize discussions around wellness and mental health in order for us to heal and rely on each other as a community.

Ilana Salayog, (she/her)
Buong Loob Alumni, class of 2023

Ilana Salayog is a dedicated first-generation full-time college student currently enrolled at City College of San Francisco. She was originally born in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines, then she moved to San Francisco at the age of 7. In 2023, Ilana graduated from Buong Loob, a testament to her resilience and dedication to personal and community growth. After her graduation, she took on the role of Young Adult Ally Intern in the Spring of 2024, contributing her time and skills to support the Buong Loob community. Ilana is determined to further her education and contribute to raising awareness about mental health issues within the Filipina/o/x American community.

What does mental health meant to you?
​Mental health is the state of our well-being when navigating stress and confronting challenges. Normalizing discussions around wellness and mental health in our community is crucial because it is stigmatized. We often underestimate the importance of mental health and how it plays a role in our daily lives. Raising awareness can result in a supportive, comfortable, and safe environment for individuals to share similar experiences passed from down through generations before. Recognizing and addressing mental health can make an impactful change within the Filipinx/Filipinx American community.

Community Partners

(t) 415-355-4578  (e) [email protected]

Tiffany E. San Jose, MSW

Education Specialist, Work-Based Learning
College & Career Readiness
San Francisco Unified School District

https://www.sfusd.edu/departments/college-and-career-readiness

Filipino Education Center: Galing Bata Program

FEC GALING BATA PROGRAM provides vital linguistically sensitive and culturally responsive services and resources to the Transitional Kindergarten - 8th Grade students enrolled at Bessie Carmichael/FEC throughout the school year and the summer, to their families, and the community in SOMA Pilipinas, the Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco. Social-emotional learning, restorative practices and trauma-informed care are embedded in their programming. Their staff are also certified in Mental Health First Aid and are screeners for behavioral health challenges or crises. They are committed to fostering safe spaces through building intentional and trusting relationships with students and families; spaces such as a weekly middle school lunch club to celebrate Filipino culture and identity, enrichment on wellness & resilience for middle school students, weekly parent support group (GB Chikahang Good Vibes), etc.

In their efforts to prioritize their students’ wellbeing, they work closely with school-day social workers, make student referrals to community resources for mental health and wellness support, are an active member of the Bessie/FEC Wellness Team and Bessie/FEC Coordinated Care Team, and collaborate with other organizations to address the mental health issues within our community (MHC, FMHI-SF, Incredible Years/Filipino Family Health Initiative, etc).

https://www.galingbata.org/​

Kababayan SFUSD

Kababayan SFUSD is an organization of Filipinx/a/o educators in San Francisco.  Our organization aims to:

• Support the academic success and social-emotional well-being of Filipinx students
• Improve the educational standards of the school system through the professional advancement of Kababayan members through leadership development, professional development, professional support, and networking.
• Facilitate a firm connection to the Filipinx culture and the Philippines by fostering cultural events and programs, supporting local efforts to preserve the culture, and sponsoring initiatives connecting its members with other Filipinx educators in the region, state, country, and in the Philippines.
• Unite Filipinx teachers and education workers within San Francisco Bay Area and the San Francisco Unified School District and align with other educators, education groups, alliances, and federations who share similar interests in advancing the interest of Filipinx students and other marginalized youth

https://sites.google.com/sfusd.edu/kababayan-sfusd/home

SFUSD Office of College and Career Readiness 

Within SFUSD’s Division of Curriculum and Instruction, the Office of College and Career Readiness (CCR) provides direct services to students and supports teachers and counselors to increase the likelihood of students’ postsecondary success in college and career.

https://www.sfusd.edu/departments/college-and-career-readiness

Ways to Show Your Support

Monetary or In-Kind Donations

Lay a donation via Paypal, Flipcause, or Venmo and add the note "BUONG LOOB." For in-kind donations (i.e.: school supplies, snacks, etc.), please contact Verma Zapanta ([email protected]).  Buong Loob Internship Programs are sponsored by the Filipino Mental Health Initiative of San Francisco, a program of the Filipino American Development Foundation (501c3). Donations are tax-deductible. Maraming Salamat!