Who would have thought that Mr. Oscar T. Fuentes III—known to many simply as Sir Gio—once silenced by mental illness and self-doubt, would rise to become one of the Top 20 passers of the national Psychometrician Licensure Exam?
His journey began in deep turbulence. Clinically diagnosed with a mental health condition, Mr. Fuentes faced emotional storms that disrupted his academic path, strained his relationships, and dimmed his creative spark. In mid-2014, he withdrew from the world, surviving two life-threatening episodes that nearly ended his story. But in July of that same year, a 16-month intervention began—slow, steady, and transformative—helping him rebuild his life, reclaim his voice, and rediscover his purpose.
By November 2015, he was ready to try again. Southville International School and Colleges wasn’t a planned destination—it was an opportunity he chose to embrace, and it became his turning point. Coming from a business & economics background, shifting to the SISC College of Psychology was a big change but a true fresh start—it offered mentorship, emotional support, and a community that believed in holistic growth. “The professors weren’t just educators,” he shares. “They were allies in my healing & growth.”

With the support of his family and a close-knit peer group, Mr. Fuentes learned to balance academics with advocacy and creativity. He returned to music, engaged in political action, and even collaborated with the office of Senator Risa Hontiveros on mental health initiatives. He also served as a resource speaker at a university in Manila. These experiences reminded him that his voice—once silenced—now carried impact.
The journey was not without setbacks. Relapses, perfectionism, and peer conflicts tested his resilience and humility. But his consistent desire to improve and be a better person kept him moving forward.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in 2019, he nearly topped Southville’s academic rankings. But it was the national Psychometrician Licensure Exam that marked his breakthrough—earning a place among the Top 20 passers. That moment wasn’t just a win; it was a heartfelt celebration of every courageous step he took to get there.
Today, Mr. Fuentes serves as a counselor and faculty member at Southville’s International K12 and College Divisions, using his story to support students who may be silently struggling. “In a world that moves so fast, it’s easy to feel alone. I want my journey to be a message: there is hope, and there will always be allies and friends willing to help you along the way.”

He credits Southville’s College of Psychology for fostering holistic well-being: “It’s not just about grades; it’s about value formation, emotional support, and helping students become the best versions of themselves.”
Outside the classroom, he continues to find joy in music, video games, academic pursuits, and his political advocacies. His involvement in the Philippine progressive movement—including his role as a national coordinator for his party’s grievance and justice committee—keeps him grounded and connected to a purpose that extends beyond his formal roles.

Lastly, Sir Gio extends this purpose to the broader community. He regularly volunteers at a local rehabilitation center and continues his work as a community counselor, empowering those who walk paths similar to his own. His story is a reminder that healing is possible—and that hope grows stronger when it is shared.