UP Open University Attends the UP Mental Health and Well-Being Conference 2023

The UP Mental Health and Well-Being Conference 2023 participants gather for a group photo opportunity.

The University of the Philippines Open University joined the “UP Mental Health and Well-being Conference 2023,” held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, New College of Arts and Sciences (NCAS) Auditorium last 11-12 October 2023. It was organized by the Office of Student Development Services and hosted by the UP Los Baños – Office of Student Affairs.

The conference gathered all UP Constituent Universities, and it was participated in by their respective representatives from each sectoral group of students, faculty, mental health practitioners, administrative officers, and staff. The conference representatives and speakers aimed to target and discuss the importance of mental health and wellness in the UP community. 

A line-up of excellent resource persons was the highlight of the event. The first speaker, Dr. Michael Lim Tan, former Chancellor of UP Diliman, discussed the sociocultural perspectives on mental health. He focused on the emergence of different therapies that can help cater to individual students and staff for their well-being. He also emphasized the importance of integrating religion and spirituality into mental health. 

The second speaker, Dr. Divine Love Salvador, the Director of UP Diliman’s Psychological Services, focused on the mental health and well-being of Filipinos. In one of her slides, she addressed the alarming increase in suicidal tendencies and ideation among students. In her presentation, she highlighted that we should foster a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals are encouraged to find solace in their community and discover reasons to continue their journey toward mental well-being. In a powerful statement, she urged, “Let us create a community in which they will want to stick around.” 

The third speaker, Dr. Evangeline Dela Fuente, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry of UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), brought a different perspective to the discussion on mental health and welfare. She indicated the significance of seeking help. She stressed the paradox existing within many of us, where we are eager to help people who are in need yet hesitate when it comes to acknowledging and addressing our own needs. She pointed out the significance of seeking help for oneself and how it will lead to a stronger and more compassionate community.

UP Open University’s commitment to the vital cause in terms of mental health was shown not just through joining the conference but also by the appointment of sectoral representatives. The team comprised Ms. Marites Moya, a mental health practitioner, Ms. Denise Therese Anne Palisoc, a staff member of the Office of Gender Concerns, and student representatives Ms. Madellaine Ortea and Ms. Myles Lorraine Tuason. Hon. Victoria Canape Belegal, UP Staff Regent, and UPOU’s Administrative Officer V, under the Office of the University Registrar, were also present. They all participated in the discussions and activities prepared by the organizers.

UP Open University representatives during the event.

As the first day of the conference ended, participants were divided into four sectoral groups– administrative officers and staff, faculty, mental health practitioners, and students. Each group engaged in discussions catered to their specific sectors, sharing their perspectives on the issues of mental health and well-being. They recognized the link between mental health and workplace productivity and provided solutions that can help eliminate the stigma around mental health. 

At the start of the second day of the conference, the unfinished discussions of each sectoral group were continued. The outcomes of the brainstorming were prepared for the presentation part of the conference. The first presenters were the students, followed by the faculty, administrative officers, and staff, and lastly, the mental health practitioners. Each group created a summary of its discussions around memos, policies, and programs tailored to proactive and collaborative efforts in supporting and promoting mental health and well-being within the UP community.

UP Open University representatives join the commitment signing of the UP MHWC 2023.

Before the farewell ceremony, a symbolic event took place where each representative of every UP constituent university was called in front for a commitment signing. It served as a visual reminder of the event that took place and such signatories can serve as catalysts of change within the UP system, their constituent universities, and beyond.

Written by Denise Therese Anne A. Palisoc ♦ Edited by Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan

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