The Office of Student Affairs Guidance and Counselling Services Unit (OSA GCSU) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Visayas Peer Facilitators (UPV PF) conducted a series of psychosocial activities on March 20 and 21, 2024 in eight dormitories in the Miagao and Iloilo City campuses.
The activity with the theme “This is the Breather that YOU Need: A Kumustahan Serye” was attended by a total of four hundred thirty-six dormitory residents from Balay Apitong, Balay Gumamela, Balay Lampirong, Balay Kanlaon, Balay Miagos, Balay Madyaas and International Dormitory in the Miagao campus and Balay Ilonggo in the Iloilo City campus.
Conducted once a year in the dormitories, the activity aims to promote the welfare of the dormitory residents in various aspects - individual, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, academic, among others.
The UPV PF facilitated the group dynamics during the first session, wherein residents were encouraged to interact, engage, and share personal experiences and challenges they faced during the academic year and how they coped up with these challenges as a dormer and as a UP student. More than 30% of the residents in every dormitory are from outside of Region 6. The dormitories have been their “home away from home” as they continually pursue higher education and learning from the portals of the University with the hope of a brighter future as “Iskolars ng bayan.”
OSA Guidance Services Specialists Dr. Sheila Javier, Ms. Teresa Hortillo, Ms. Annie Manzano, Ms. Paula Khryss Ushiyama, assigned in the Miagao campus, and Ms. Lynnie Ann Castillon from the Iloilo City campus served as speakers during the second session.
The following topics were given emphasis during the talks: 1) “Inclusivity of Mental Health and Safe Spaces in the Dormitory;” 2) “The Burden of Academic and Financial Stressors;” 3) “Coping with Me and You: Alleviating the Stress of An Iskolar;” 4) “Para Kanino Ka Bumabangon;” 5) “Strategies for Effectively Allocating Time for Studies and Socializing: Proper Time Management and De-stressing Activities;” 6) “GearUP: Kumusta, Kinakaya Pa Ba?;” 7) Paharuhay: Navigating Life in the Home Away from Home Amidst Academic Stress;” and 7) “Academic Motivations’”
The UPV PF has been initiating this activity every year as part of their University-wide commitment as the student extension arm of the GCSU to respond to the call for help for psychosocial welfare and well-being of the students. As the psychosocial supporters and mental health advocates that work hand-in hand with the GCSU, they minimize the gap closer between the students and various stakeholders by addressing their psychosocial needs and welfare during their stay in the University.
