Write-up by Cyril Noroña, MAEd Art Education
The 4th National MAPEH Seminar,
with the theme Promoting Wellness in MAPEH, was held on July 13, 2019 in the Benitez
Theater, UP College of Education. It was organized by the UPCEd Art and Health Education
Areas, and sponsored by Vibal Publishing and Prestige Paper Products. Prof. Lorelei Vinluan welcomed the 130
participants who came public and private schools in Luzon. Meanwhile, the
speakers, all of whom are practicing professionals, talked about wellness in
their respective fields.
Dr. Jaclyn
Cauyan, a professor in Counselor Education, gave the first talk on wellness.
She stated the importance of watching out for both physical and mental wellness.
She discussed the eight dimensions of wellness, as well as practical ways in
keeping healthy for each dimension.
Ms. Ruth Manalo,
a resident nutritionist and dietitian in the University Health service, highlighted
nutrition in what students usually eat, and what they should be eating – more
fruits and vegetables. What they eat provides nutrition, and lack thereof
affects their performance, particularly in school.
Prof. Revin
Santos, a professor in Sports Science, discussed the need for a change in
lifestyle, emphasizing that being healthy also involves daily activities and
that there is a need to change from a sedentary to an active lifestyle. He also
said that the best way to encourage and teach healthy living to students is by
example.
Prof. Daisy
Ragragio-Valenciano, a professor in Music Education, talked about how music can
be instrumental to the soul’s wellness.
She shared teaching strategies on how to make music relevant and move students
to encourage expression, where the soul comes into play.
Last but not the
least, Prof. Amos Manlangit, a lecturer in the College of Fine Arts, talked
about integrating wellness strategies in Art Education, and how art can
facilitate a curative process and therapeutic experience. He linked it with how
art has helped his students with disabilities, the different levels of creative
engagement students can have in art production, and how teachers can plan
activities accordingly.
The speakers
also incited introspection among the teachers, making them reflect on their own
health and well-being. The practical ways the speakers shared to help improve
the students’ well-being can also be applied to teachers. As Prof. Cauyan
implied, while teachers watch out for their students’ wellbeing, they should
not forget about their own.
The seminar
ended with closing remarks by Prof. Grace Duka-Pante.
