Health Update: Health Care and Well-Being hosts wellness iniatitives this summer | News – What Experts Say

The Office of the Assistant Vice President for Health, Care, and Well-Being (OAVP-HCW), under the Mission Integration Cluster of Ateneo de Manila University, continues to advance a culture of holistic well-being through a series of integrated health, wellness, and community-centered initiatives this March and April 2026, rolling out programs that address physical health, mental wellness, preventive care, and community engagement.

Promoting Workplace Health: Occupational Medicine Week (16 to 20 March 2026)

In observance of Occupational Medicine Week, held in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 1316, OAVP-HCW led a series of activities centered on the theme “Safeguarding Health and Advancing Decent Work in Occupational Medicine.”

Key highlights included:

Free Health Screenings across campuses (Loyola, Rockwell, Ortigas), offering:

• Random blood sugar testing (CBG)
• BMI measurement
• Vital signs monitoring

These screenings aimed to detect “silent” conditions such as hypertension and early signs of diabetes.

Online Lecture Series featuring medical experts:

• Sexual Health in the Workplace by Dr. Josephine Alexandra Lim (16 March)
• The Power of Prevention & Lifestyle Habits by Dr. Joel Josef Soller (17 March)

Centering Women’s Health and Community: Girls’ Day Off (27 March 2026)

A major highlight of the month was “Girls’ Day Off,” held at the University Gender Hub in partnership with the University Gender and Development Office. Designed as a space for rest, connection, and health awareness among women employees, the event featured both regular hub activities and special wellness components:

Free General Consultations

• Dr Isabel Anastasia G Esguerra provided one-on-one medical consultations, accessible on a walk-in, first-come basis.

Cervical Health & HPV Awareness Talk
Led by Dr. Ma. Socorro Bernardino, MD, FPOGS, FIFEPAG, the session emphasized:

• The importance of HPV awareness and prevention
• The role of vaccination and regular screening
• Reducing stigma through informed conversations

A personal testimony by Isabella Fernando-Dela Cruz further grounded the discussion in lived experience. The session was offered in a hybrid format to ensure wider accessibility.

HPV Vaccination Access
In collaboration with Healthway Medical Network Inc., discounted HPV vaccinations were made available to participants, extending access to preventive care.

Advancing Health Literacy: Wellness Wednesdays (25 March 2026)
As part of its ongoing Wellness Wednesdays series, OAVP-HCW aired a special episode titled “Not So Fast” on 25 March via Radyo Katipunan.

Featuring Dr Norman Dennis Marquez and Ms. Mia Fadriquela, the session unpacked the science of fasting, addressing:

• Common myths and misconceptions
• Biological and psychological effects of fasting
• Evidence-based guidance for healthy practices

Encouraging Active Lifestyles: Zumba for Employees (8, 15, 22, April 2026)
Extending wellness beyond awareness, OAVP-HCW is set to launch Zumba sessions for Ateneo employees this April at the LS PE Dance Studio.

Led by instructor Marsha Javier Victor, the sessions aim to:

• Promote physical fitness and energy
• Provide stress relief after work hours
• Strengthen community through shared activity

The program, offered free of charge, reflects the Office’s emphasis on sustainable and enjoyable wellness practices.

Supporting Mental Health and Community Care: Wellness Fest (3 to 6 March 2026)
Earlier in the month, OAVP-HCW collaborated with the Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC) and Human Resources in Wellness Fest 25–26, a campus-wide initiative anchored on the theme “Breathe, Balance, Flow – Paghinga Tungo sa Patuloy na Pagdaloy.”

Key activities included:

• “Breathe in Harmony” Vocal Ensemble Workshop at the Arete
• Community-building moments such as shared meals and open spaces for rest and reflection

The Fest expanded its reach this year to include both students and employees, reinforcing a shared responsibility for mental health across the University.