UPOU staff members, security personnel, maintenance team, and administrative offices participate in the 2026 Snake Handling Workshop
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (DRR-CCAM) conducted a Snake Handling Workshop on 16 March 2026 at the CCDL Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters. The activity was organized as part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen campus safety, preparedness, and environmental awareness.
Given that the UPOU campus is surrounded by natural vegetation and wildlife habitats, encounters with snakes may naturally occur within the area. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond safely and responsibly to such situations while promoting both human safety and wildlife conservation. Participants included staff from the University’s grounds maintenance team, security personnel, and various administrative offices.
The program was hosted by Ms. Mary Grace Perez, support staff of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS). In welcome remarks, UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano emphasized the importance of proper awareness and response when encountering snakes on campus. She encouraged the community to recognize snakes as an important part of biodiversity and to understand their ecological role within the University environment. She also encouraged participants to learn practical ways to identify snakes and respond appropriately during encounters.
The workshop featured resource speakers from Wildlife Matters Organization Inc., including its founder Ms. Jazz Ong, and program manager Mr. Kyle Tamayo. During the session, Ong introduced the organization as a conservation-oriented non-government organization composed of wildlife rescuers, animal advocates, and educational speakers from different professional fields. She discussed the ecological role of snakes and emphasized key principles for safe and responsible responses to encounters with snakes, stressing that awareness and proper knowledge can help prevent unnecessary harm to both humans and wildlife.
Tamayo then led a discussion on understanding snake behavior, explaining that snakes are generally defensive rather than aggressive. He introduced participants to different types of snakes and shared practical tips on identifying them in natural environments. Ong also addressed several common myths and misconceptions about snakes, helping participants better understand their behavior and ecological significance.
As part of the workshop, Tamayo demonstrated basic first-aid procedures for snake bites and proper management. Participants were provided with bandages and practiced the techniques with partners, allowing them to apply the steps discussed during the demonstration.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the opportunity for participants to observe a live Philippine Cobra demonstration, which further illustrated safe handling practices and proper distancing measures. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants raised practical concerns, including how to encourage others not to harm snakes and how to promote wildlife-friendly responses within the community.
L-R- Dr. Finaflor Taylan, Chair of the UPOU Committee on DRR-CCAM and Dean of FMDS, Ms. Ong, Mr. Tamayo, and Ms. Victoria Belegal, Chief AO of UPOU CDMO
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to the guest speakers by Dr. Finaflor Taylan, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies and Chair of the UPOU DRR-CCAM, in recognition of their contributions to the workshop.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Victoria Canape-Belegal, Chief AO of the UPOU Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO), who expressed gratitude to the speakers for sharing their expertise and thanked participants for dedicating their time and energy to learn about snake safety and wildlife conservation.
Written by Ryzza Alyana B. Legaspi | Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
