The University of the Philippines College of Education through its Health Education Area and the ASEAN Training Center for Preventive Drug Education (ATCPDE) welcomed delegates from Sahmyook University in Seoul City, South Korea last January  9, 2017. Dean Marie Therese A.P. Bustos, in her welcome message, emphasized that discussing about health matters is the best way to start the year.

The whole-day event was co-sponsored by the Dangerous Drugs Board and was attended by their staff, ATCPDE members from the academe, CHED and DepEd, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency staff. The South Korean delegation headed by Prof. Cheong Kim, comprised of 3 faculty, 12 undergraduate students and 2 Filipina PhD students specializing in Addiction Studies.

The resource person, Prof. Pyung Ahn Kim facilitated a lecture-workshop on Healthy Lifestyle Brief Intervention. He introduced the NEWSTART Model, a naturopathic method for living a healthy and drug-free life. NEWSTART is an acronym for nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest and trust in God. It is based on the principle that nature restores the person and internal terrain is the core of the solution to people’s health concerns. After explaining the model’s philosophy and principles, he proceeded with the healthy lifestyle brief intervention questionnaire, a tool for assessing one’s health behaviors. All participants were asked to answer the questions and interpret the results based on the healthy lifestyle signal and wheel. The rest of the session was devoted to further explaining the details of the model to attain homeostasis.

After the session, participants shared the value of the model and its application on their personal and professional lives. They emphasized how using NEWSTART will positively impact their health and well-being.

Students from different colleges in the university took part in Alternative Classroom Learning Experiences (ACLE) last October 12, 2016. A number of ACLE sessions were organized in partnership with the University Student Council and sponsored by different student organizations in the College of Education.

UP Preschool Practitioners, or better known as “UP PreP,” sponsored a session entitled: EMERGEncy: Unravelling the Mask of Mental Illnesses in the Classroom. UP PreP believes that this issue is relevant to today’s youth and current developments in society.  Awareness of the importance of mental health in one’s journey through life is significant. As future educators, PreP views the importance of understanding different mental conditions/illnesses to help break the stigma associated with this issue. Knowing the characteristics of individuals who grapple with mental illness will help others welcome them and provide support when possible. Facilitators of the session were Ms. Cathy Babao, a grief counselor, and, Mr. Christopher Hernandez, a guidance service specialist of the UP Diliman, Office of Counseling and Guidance. Room 204 of the College of Education was packed with around 45 participants during the session.

Mr. Christopher Hernandez, a guidance service specialist from the Office of Counseling and Guidance during the session

An activity during the session with Ms. Cathy Babao

The UP Science and Mathematics Majors Advocating Responsible Teaching (UP SMMART) also sponsored an ALCE session entitled “Memoria: Exploring Memory Enhancement Techniques and Memory Sports”. The resource speaker for the event was the Head Coach of the Philippine Memory Game, Ms. Anna Bernadette D. Bonita. Her student, Ms. Jamyla Lumbanao joined her in this occasion.
Ms. Bonita shared the importance of memory enhancement, the essence of memory sports, and techniques on how to develop one’s memory skills. Ms. Lumbanao demonstrated these techniques by simply listening and perfectly reciting back 40 randomly given words.

Overall, the session was a success and UP SMMART is honored to be one with Ms. Bonita in spreading information about memory sports and techniques to the UP community.

Ms. Bonito, facilitator of SMMART’s ACLE

Ms. Lumbanao displaying her impressive memory skills

Museums and oceanariums are part of almost everyone’s childhood. The UP Educators’ Circle explored these all time favorite leisure places as venues for learning through an ACLE event entitled “Kaleidoscope: Looking and Learning through the Prisms of Museums and Oceanariums.”

With speakers Ms.Noreen Parafina, program director of Museo Pambata and Ms. Desiree C. Gestiada, curator and department head of Manila Ocean Park, the participants from and outside the university enjoyed the session at the College of Music Mini Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

UP Educator’s Circle-sponsored ACLE session with the participants

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the University of the Philippines, College of Education and Ehime University was held at the Faculty of Education, Ehime University, Matsuyama City, Japan on November 16, 2016. Dr. Marie Therese AP. Bustos, Dean of the UP College of Education and Dr. Sakae Sano , Dean of the Faculty of Education of Ehime University officially signed the documents.

Signing of the MoU by Dean Bustos of UP and Dean Sakae Sano Of Ehime University

This event reaffirmed the partnership between the two institutions for another three years. This partnership, which officially began in 2007, further strengthens academic exchange and research collaboration between students, staff, and faculty members of the two universities.

MoU Signing in the presence of the UP Delegates: (Foreground: Left to right) Prof. Czarina Agcaoile, Dr. Virgilio Manzano, Dean Maria Therese AP. Bustos, UPIS Principal Ronaldo San Jose, and Prof. Rachel Patricia Ramirez

Health Advocacy, Promotion and Instruction Days, dubbed as H.A.P.I. Days is a week-long event of the Health Education Area of the College of Education. It aims to provide a platform to increase awareness of the UPCEd community on the importance of keeping one’s self healthy as well as promote its crucial role in building healthy communities. This was done through a series of activities from October 18-21, 2016.

The event kicked off with a blood donation drive in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross. Around 27 blood bags were collected.

The second day showcased the promotion of health through arts, music, dance and games.

Health Promotion through Poster Making focusing on the theme
“Ngipin at Bibig Ingatan Para sa Malusog na Pangangatawan”

Health Promotion was also done through Musikalusugan, a variety show that celebrated the importance of health as well as showcased student talents.

The Zumba session was a hit among both faculty and students.

The third day concluded with service Learning: health promotion and instruction in the community setting spearheaded by the EDH 110 class.  Fifty members of the Pook Dagohoy community took part in the basic health screening procedures which include weight, height, body temperature and blood pressure taking strengthened with a lecture-discussion on the prevalence and prevention of Zika Virus.  Raffle and medicine donation reinforced the participation of the community members.

Health education and promotion through nutritious food happily served and heartily enjoyed by everyone.

Health education and promotion through interactive exhibits on Personal Health, Mental Health, Aging and Death, and Drug use Prevention through infographics and lecture in collaboration with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)

Below are some of the students’ feedback on HAPI Days 2016:

 “The beauty of learning more about my health is being able to share the knowledge to others. The HAPI Days event was truly an effective way to culminate everything that we have learned in class–from providing healthy food options for the faculty and students every morning to participating in activities that reminds us of the importance of staying HAPI.”

Marika Sison, BS FLCD

 

“Doing things for a cause. It is always fulfilling to be able to help other people especially those that cannot provide services for themselves. Evaluating the community we helped, I can say that most residents cannot even afford proper health services. A lot of kids are running around with no slippers or shoes and with small open wounds all over their bodies. It is not my intention to accuse the parents of not taking care of their children. Point is, whoever is in charge of the community must try their very best to provide for the services needed by their people. Being able to educate them a little and provide some medicines they might need is indeed, very heartwarming.”

                                                                                                        Hanna Panandigan, BSE Biology

“Last October 26, 2016, my class went to the camp site of the Lakbayans at UP Diliman. These Lakbayans are part of the minority groups in Mindanao whose rights and privileges are denied of. They went here to Metro Manila, hoping to improve their living conditions back home and to fight for their rights – right to basic needs i.e shelter, education etc. Being exposed to these people made me more aware of the current happenings within our country, how there are still a lot of improvements that needs to be done, especially in the aspect of politics, economics, and health.”

Kyra Constantino, BSE Health

Something Beautiful: A Medical Mission entry
“Living a healthy lifestyle should be on everyone’s to-do list. It not only makes you in good shape and prevents diseases but also boosts one’s level of happiness. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to proper healthcare and most people are not well-informed about the epidemiology of diseases.  With the goal of promoting healthy living and health awareness, the EDH 110 class conducted a medical mission for the residents of Pook Dagohoy, U.P. Diliman last October 21, 2016.
In this event, we were able to provide basic health-related services such as getting vital signs, checking blood pressures, and computing body mass indexes. Even if there are no doctors, the people of Pook Dagohoy were given an opportunity to see if they have hypertension and obesity which are possible factors in certain diseases. Moreover, we also prepared a mini-Zumba routine so that people are able to stretch and get some exercise. The household-cleaning theme of the dance which involved moves like pagwawalis, kuskos damit, and linis bintana gave a creative twist to the fitness routine and made exercising an enjoyable experience. An informative talk was also given which discussed the Zika virus and its sources, symptoms, and preventive measures one can take to avoid getting infected. Sandwiches and juice were also provided during the medical mission.The ultimate goal of promoting health awareness and encouraging a healthy lifestyle was attained. The lessons we learned in class such as the spreading of microorganisms, the value of exercise, and the importance of proper nutrition were all applied in this event which resulted in providing aid and support to the underserved — and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”

Jeric Conjares, BS Psychology

“Everyone needs a breather from work or school, because sometimes it gets too overwhelming and overworking yourself would really drain your energy and brain cells out. And taking a breather from schoolwork is better when you’re reminded of your health, in a comprehensive or holistic manner, and still the compassion to help and promote others’ health too is remained. HAPI days is a twice a year program, which in every semester, students like me pause for a bit and reflects on own health. HAPI days. I would say is an assembly of short programs or events that cater to its purpose of promoting one’s health; but for students who took part in organizing these, I would say HAPI days is not only the best time think of personal well-being but also it’s a great time to finally know our classmates more and cooperate with the prof in a deeper level. It’s also a great avenue to showcase talents, in our case, since it was MUSIKALUSUGAN. More importantly, it’s a great time to finally recognize the college as a community as the programs are designed to make the whole college participate cohesively.”

Regina Bumatay, BS FLCD

 “It was my first time to be part of the HAPI Days and all I can say is that health, above all requires utmost dedication and numerous efforts.  From the series of events itself, I saw how the professors, students alike and staff immensely prepared and from that I realized that health, just like the HAPI Days is something that we all must be preparing for.  Our journey towards good health compels us to study and promote health, exercise; participate in awareness campaigns, donate blood, go on community missions and much, much more… health is something you can mold and transform through interdisciplinary measures.”

Alyssa Jeanne Tamondong, BEEd SPED

The celebration of National Teacher’s Month at the UP College of Education kicked off with the Grand Opening and Exhibit Launch held last September 13, 2016. Dubbed as Pasinaya 2016, the UP Education Student Council was behind this month-long celebration, which aimed to be one with the world in showing appreciation to teachers for their unwavering service as agents in the development of students.

The celebration formally commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dean Marie Therese AP Bustos on September 13. She was assisted by Joe Marie Yapcengco (over-all Project Head & College Representative to the USC), Alain Zedrick Camiling (CESC Culture & the Arts Councilor), and Ms. Wynzyleen Lee (Over-all Deputy Head). The exhibit highlighted various activities of the different areas of the College and the undertakings of the staff and student organizations.

Kick-off Ceremony with Dean Therese, Alain Zendrick Camiling, & Joe Marie Yapcenco

The kick-off event revolved around the theme of Philippine culture and festivals. What better way to capture this than through the featured cultural performances of the UP Kontra-GaPi, UP Filipiniana Dance Group, Salsamba Fusion, Bagong Silang Elementary School, and the college’s Eduk Choir (Echo)!

The UP Kontra GaPi sharing indigenous music

Our very own tinikling by the UP Filipiniana Dance Group

Salsamba Fusion giving the audience a dose of a lively samba beat

An entertaining dance number from the Bagong Silang Elementary School trio

Eduk Choir (Echo) serenading the teachers

Eduk teachers and students enjoying the Pasinaya 2016 show at the Eduk lobby

Faculty and students from Eduk as well as students from other colleges took part in this happy occasion. It was capped with The Grand Pakain, which offered diverse Filipino food.

The Tagisan ng Talino, another Pasinaya 2016 event, was an interactive college-based inter-major quiz bee held on September 15. It was an opportunity for students from different majors to come together and showcase their knowledge of varied disciplines. In each round, the questions proved challenging yet the remaining contestants vied to show their best. In the end, representatives from the Reading Education area were hailed as winners.

Tagisan ng Talino champion: the Reading Education area

Pasinaya 2016 also held a Sign Language Class on September 19, which was offered for free to the entire UP community.

The sign language class during Pasinaya 2016

World Teacher’s Day, which is commemorated annually every 5^th of October, also marked the concluding event of Pasinaya 2016 with a video display at the College of Education lobby. Students and teachers, from within the UP campus and outside, took part in this celebration at the UP College of Education. Even Chancellor Michael Tan joined us in greeting all teachers on this special day!

Chancellor Michael Tan

For more photos on Pasinaya 2016, visit www.facebook.com/UPCESC

Last September 1 to 3, the UP College of Education hosted the 9th International Conference on Teacher Education (ICTED). The ICTED is a biennial event sponsored by the College of Education of the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

This year’s conference foregrounds the theme of teacher agency, defined as the exercise of individual and collective power of teachers in the midst of challenging situations. It aims to create a forum for educationists, social scientists, policy-makers, and students to discuss the central question: In what ways can educational reforms support or constrain teacher agency, for what purpose, under what conditions, and with what consequences? It seeks to foster interdisciplinary conversations among participants of diverse persuasions about policy and practice; capacity building; and curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment.

The keynote speaker for this year’s ICTED was Judy Durrant, the Faculty Director of Education Graduate Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, where she leads a research group focused on professional, organizational and leadership development. Judy is an internationally acclaimed scholar whose work on Teacher Leadership has had significant impact around the world.

The distinguished lectures were delivered by DepEd Undersecretary Dina Joana S. Ocampo and CHED Commissioner Maria Cynthia Rose Banzon Bautista.

Four plenary themes were also presented in the conference. The first theme was Teacher Agency in Governance which was discussed by Emma E Porio, Professor of sociology at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and Edicio Dela Torre, one of the founders of Education for Life Foundation.

This was followed by a plenary session on Teacher Agency in Curriculum and Instruction. This session was facilitated by Ma. Luisa T. Camagay, professor in the Department of History, University of the Philippines Diliman; Gerson Abesamis, founder of HABI Education Lab; and Efleda Preclaro Tolentino, professor of Early Childhood Education in Long Island University, New York.

The third plenary session was about Teacher Agency in Asia where John Pegg, professor and Director of the SiMERR National Research Centre; and Peter Grimes, Senior Specialist for Teacher Development of the Basic Education Sector Transformation Program’s (BEST) shared their insights and experiences in the region.

The final theme, Teacher Agency in Situ, was discussed by Carol Bumanglag, executive director of Lilik Foundation; Sister Aristea R. Bautista, FMM, founder of the PAMANA KA foundation; and Maisara C. Dandamun-Latiph, founder of the Khadija Center for Muslim Women Studies.

The Art Education area of the UP College of Education (UPCEd) held its first Music, Arts, P.E., and Health (MAPEH) seminar at the UP NISMED on July 16, 2016, Saturday, entitled “Creative Teaching Strategies in MAPEH.” About 400 participants attended the event. There was a diverse range of delegates in attendance, composed of MAPEH teachers, administrators, students, and representatives from the UPCEd Art Education Area. There were also attendees coming from other provinces, such as Bulacan, Laguna, Pampanga, and even as far as Zamboanga and Aurora. The major sponsors for the event include Rex Bookstore, Adarna House, and Quezon City Sikap Buhay.

The perspectives of expert MAPEH professionals highlighted the work that can be done to provide an interesting and fun learning atmosphere for students who are taking the subject across the K-12 program. Prof. Jama M. Ramos gave a presentation about the important theories and drawing strategies for art education. Prof. Grace Duka-Pante, and Prof. Maria Cecilia V. Zamora, the speakers for Health Education, gave tips and techniques on how to teach the the various sub-topics of the subject. Prof. James Diaz, gave fun strategies, and enjoined the participants to sing with him during his presentation for Music Education. Prof. Ernida A. Tolentino, the speaker for Physical Education, discussed about how to involve the students’ imagination, and integrate gymnastic movements in PE lessons.

The launch of the annual seminar for MAPEH received positive feedback about the event from the delegates with regards to the speakers and overall program, with majority of delegates at the seminar stating their intent to be part of the future projects, the area is now projected to improve and grow rapidly in the coming weeks and months. With this, we now look forward to welcoming new endeavors, as the UPCEd Art Education Area is now set to further increase its presence in delivering the needs of educators in the different regions of the country. The Area is already underway in preparing for another project, the details of which will be announced as soon as they are available. Meanwhile, the core group encourages everyone to check updates about future seminars and activities in their facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/UPCEArtEdArea/.

The University of the Philippines College of Education through its Health Education Area celebrated its Health Advocacy, Promotion, and Instruction (HAPI) Days last April 12-15, 2016 with the theme “Nurture Health, Advocate Wellness.”

Dubbed as “Kalusugan Serye,” the 4-day event kicked off with a Run for Health participated by undergraduate students enrolled in EDH classes and faculty alike.

 

“The event started at around 7:30 in the morning. Before the run, a few minutes were allotted for stretching and warm-up exercises. Students and faculty run around the academic oval wearing messages that promote health. Food and beverages were provided at the end of the run. As evidenced by the smiles on everyone’s faces, the event showed that healthy practices need not be tedious. It can also be fun!”

–Eric Domantay, BEEd Language major , Jessica Ignacio, SPED Major & Vixens Nonato, BEEd Math Major”

 

It was followed by an announced (1:00 pm) and unannounced (5:45 pm) earthquake drills in the afternoon.

Champorado with dilis remains to be the most popular snack during HAPI Days

An important objective of the celebration is to raise people awareness on healthy diet, thus free health snacks were prepared and distributed to students, faculty and staff.

Through an exhibit, the different health classes tackled health issues relating to population, nutrition, disease prevention, healthy aging, stress management, physical activity, and importance of sleep.

HAPI Days exhibit focuses on vital issues affecting youth health

There were also free medical and dental services and health lectures during the event. Dr. Raquel Bautista and Dr. Mark Hilario provided free dental consultation while Dr. Maria Sylvia DS. Santos gave free medical advice and served as a resource person on Reproductive Health. Her lecture entitled “Panandaliang Saya, Worth it Ba?” comprehensively discussed the health impact of young people’s sexual behaviors as well as the various ways to protect oneself from sexually transmitted infections.

“I realized lots of things because of the talk and I made a promise to myself that I will use wisdom in all decisions that I will make in the future.”

-Cush Ravin E. Jainani, BEEd Science and Health Major”

 

Dr. Santos reminds students about the consequences of premarital sex and dangers of abortion

Check-up at Chika kay Dok

Ms. Jenny Jade N. Dellosa, a Registered Nurse shared her knowledge on health appraisal procedures. She also discussed self breast examination which is important in the early screening of breast cancer.

“The first part of the lecture focused on measuring the body temperature, respiration, blood pressure and pulse rate. These signs reflect the current condition and state of our body and know what it needs. Abnormalities indicate a possible disease, viral or bacterial infection that might not have been detected otherwise. Having experienced this lecture made me value awareness about my body and made me feel the need to be more mindful about keeping these vital signs in check at all times.”

-Jesse Beryll L. Cheng, BEEd Science and Health Major ”

The second part of lecture dealt on self-breast examination.

“The speaker was very intent in encouraging healthful practices and emphasized on the importance of self-breast examination leading to early detection of breast cancer.”

-Ellice J. Balgos, TEG Major”

In the afternoon, Dr. Florecita Padua lectured on Lifestyle and Allergy. She emphasized the importance of eating smart, the interplay of allergy, lifestyle, environment and their impact on nutrition.

The highlight of the second day is the “Musikalusugan,” a 2-hour variety show filled with songs, dance, zumba and games. Through it, the students realized that advocating health can be done in a creative and fun way.

The Barkada Kontra Droga, a newly-recognized student organization in the university, facilitated the Peer to Peer: Life Skills Training on Drug Prevention. Headed by Ms. Genevieve Allison Alambra, the team prepared several activities to develop communication skills of their peers which is very important in preventing drug abuse.

A new feature of the HAPI Days this semester is the extension of the activity to the community. An EDH class conducted a storytelling session for kids and a lecture-demonstration to parents regarding heat emergencies and musculoskeletal injuries. Participants were from Area 17 of Barangay UP Campus.

A Health Education student demonstrating first aid for muscle cramp

   Return demonstration for heat stroke by the participants

“The community outreach gave focus on the community rather than just of the college, something that struck me for I thought that HAPI DAYS only involves the college. Being able to share to the community is a really good experience. I went to the community thinking that the adult group would lack enthusiasm but I was pleasantly surprised to have them so engaged, interested and curious about the discussion.”

-Mary Janelle Fortuno, BEEd Science and Health Major

“It is better to give than to receive. Learning is a two-street. The EDH 115 class conducted an outreach program for the children and adults. An informal interactive – discussion tagged as “ Usaping Pang-unang lunas” on Heat Stroke and other health conditions were tackled. Misconceptions were revealed and clarifications are addressed as well. Flyers were given as supplemental tools in the event.”

– Milo Salvador ,Pauline Sambilay, BS European Language Majors; Angelica Bonot, Ariel De Jesus and Paula Villapando, Education Students

Usaping Kalusugan ukol sa Pang-unang lunas

 

“Story telling about proper garbage disposal, taking care of the environment and using resources wisely were shared to the children. Games and Arts were also integrated. Through these activities, we had taught and promoted environmental and health awareness among the children. We were glad to see the children learn and have fun at the same time. We are looking forward to take part in the future HAPI DAYS.”

– Ysabelle Elipse, FLCD major, Margarita Mendoza, TEG major, Hannah Obrique, Sped Major, Claire Encio, TEG Major and Ivan Arthur D.C. Decano, FLCD Major

 

Reflections on HAPI Days by non- educ majors:

“In one word, HAPI DAYS was nakakatuwa and I do genuinely hope that one day it can expand throughout the university to further increase the students’ awareness on health and health issues.

-Angelica Montalbo, Statistics Major

 

“Being non-education majors, HAPI DAYS was a foreign experience for us. It was a refreshing experience outside our majors…We realized that we have a purpose, outside of merely making money after college. We were also given opportunity to learn outside the classroom and given a better picture of how there is misinformation about health in the community. Lastly, but definitely not the least, we realized that no matter your social status or standing is health truly is wealth.”

– Wulmar Cerio, Philosophy Major; Kara Mei Herrera and Javier Lopez, BS Economics Majors

With HAPI Days as a regular event, the students, faculty, and staff of the College commit to make wellness a way of life. Cheers to health!

We acknowledge all EDH classes, our resource speakers, Brgy UP Campus officials, UP College of Education staff and fellow health advocates. Thank you very much…until our next HAPI DAYS!!!

The UP College of Education Art Education Area (UPCED ArtEd) celebrated the Arts Month by giving a free seminar entitled, “Trends in Art Education.” It was held last February 20, 2016, from 9 am to 12 nn. The speakers, Ms. Alice Pañares and Ms. Patria Bautista, respectively gave updates on the K to 12 Arts and Design Track, and shared applications of the Discipline Based Art Education Approach. One hundred sixty (160) students, teachers, school administrators and art education advocates attended the event.

In addition, 3 separate workshops were held during the day, namely, the children’s workshop, oil pastel, and water-based media (watercolor and poster paint) techniques. The free workshops were conducted by the UPCED ArtEd post graduate students for the children’s workshop, Mr. Glenn Blanco and Ms. Gem Blanco for watercolor/ poster paint, and Mr. Julius Legaspi and the Philippine Pastel Artists (PPA) for oil pastel. Crayola Philippines sponsored the materials for the event. Each workshop had 30 participants, who enjoyed learning about basic techniques, and free items from the sponsor.

Seminar speakers Ms. Alice Pañares and Ms. Patria Bautista giving their lectures