‘Higit sa lahat, tao:' MMSU reignites self-care of employees, students

By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO & DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR.

 

University President Shirley C. Agrupis re-echoed her administration’s mantra for its human capital, ‘Higit sa lahat, tao,’ today (November 5) as the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) launched series of mental health activities to promote self-care among its employees and students.

 

Reiterating that the University’s most essential capital is its workforce, Dr. Agrupis highlighted the value of ‘pausing from work and taking a breath of fresh air,’ among the teaching and non-teaching personnel of the University this morning. 

 

In a virtual celebration of the University’s Mental Health and Values Formation Week (November 3-6) dubbed as "Hinto. Hinga. Hangad.: Pagbibigay-espasyo para sa Kalusugang Pangkaisipan," MMSU employees were taught on how to sustain their mental health and to form values needed amid the COVID-19 challenge.  

 

Specifically, they undertook the following activities: Hinto (to stop and be aware of their mental state; Hinga (to breathe in wisdom and breathe out bitterness); and, Hangad (to aim by defining their hope of their mental wellness). 

 

Ms. Nerisa T. Gonzalo, guidance counselor of St. Louis University, Baguio City, who served as the resource person emphasized that mental health is one’s “mental well-being in which people are able to cope with the normal stresses they face daily.” 

 

She added that maintaining mental health allows people to work productively and to make meaningful contributions to their communities. 

 

With this, she advised the University faculty and staff to be reminded of the following: have adequate sleep, do regular physical exercise, possess effective stress management skills, have a growth mindset, connect with and help others, remain empathic, keep a positive outlook in life, seek help, and cultivate spirituality.

 

Another virtual activity that is devoted to students titled ‘Project Pag-asa: Ang Pagsalimbay sa Himpapawid ng Liwanag,’ will take place on November 16.  

 

A series of online and physical activities for faculty and staff were also launched today. These include Hinto: Pahinga at Pagbabalik-Tanaw (Self-Care Day), Hinga: Kuwentuhan at Kumustahan (a monthly debriefing session for employees), and Watwat Salun-at (physical activities for health).

 

First, Hinto: Pahinga at Pagbabalik-Tanaw is a one-day rest for university faculty and staff. To be held on November 6, this activity also gives them time to reflect on life and revisit their core values. 

 

Second, Hinga: Kuwentuhan at Kumustahan is a monthly debriefing session that is open to MMSU employees, giving them the opportunity to express themselves through the assistance of guidance counselors. 

 

The activity will be held on November 26 and every last Thursday of each month. To join the session, participants must register at https://forms.gle/J5peZnouPzNWvPMf8.

 

Third, Watwat Salun-at is composed of physical fitness activities that can help promote holistic well-being among university employees. This is spearheaded by the College of Arts and Sciences – Department of Physical Education (CAS - DPE), and the Center of Human Movement Studies (CHuMS).

 

These activities are composed of aero dance (Thursdays at 3:30 to 4:30 pm), badminton (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 to 6:00 pm), weight training (daily at 3:00 to 6:00 pm), and dart (Fridays at 2:00 to 5:00 pm). These will be conducted at the University Covered Court, Student Center, Fitness Center, and Teatro Basement, respectively. To join, employees must reserve their slot by sending message to 09108090564. 

 

These mental health and values formation activities are facilitated by a university committee headed by Marcela V. Aison, director of Human Resources Management Office, and co-chaired by Dr. Elizabeth Marfel F. Gagni, director for student affairs and serivces.

 

Aison said the activities were initiated in the light of the “emotional exhaustion and distress that leads to reduced performance of employees with dysfunctional attitudes at work.” (StratCom)

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