As the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) welcomed its latest batch of Iskolar ng Bayan, the Freshman Orientation Program (FOP) 2023 marked the commencement of the new Iskos’ academic journey. Conducted at the University Theater on September 8, 2023, this two-part orientation engaged over 2,500 freshmen, introducing them with the diverse offices and services available at UPD.
As the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) welcomed its newest batch of Iskolar ng Bayan, the Freshie Orientation Program (FOP) 2023 served as a kickstart to the new Iskos’ academic journey. Held at the University Theater on September 8, 2023, this two-session orientation was attended by more than 2,500 freshmen students who were introduced to the various offices and services that UPD offers.
The UPD Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, was part of the “Student Welfare & Wellbeing” Segment of the Freshie Orientation program where Dir. Jowima Ang-Reyes and Ms. Gia S. Evangelista discussed the Psychosocial Support Program of the office, as part of its service regarding student welfare and wellbeing. This has been the flagship program of UPD Ugnayan ng Pahinungod since the onset of the Covid Pandemic in 2020. Originally designed to be a capacity building workshop to strengthen and equip prospective Peer Support Volunteers (PSVs) with knowledge and skills on basic psychosocial support and Trauma or Community Resiliency wellness skills for mental health. Trainees who have completed the training and are willing to proceed as volunteers will provide peer support to distressed individuals via the Free Psychosocial Support Service of the office.
The PSP’s long-term goal is to establish peer support groups in the various colleges and offices of UP Diliman. Among others, this is envisioned to serve as the first level of psychosocial support to students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing emotional distress and other mental health concerns during and beyond the pandemic. Through this endeavor, the Psychosocial Support Program (PSP) envisions an empowered UPD community by integrating wellness practices for oneself and for others in their daily routines.
The segment ended with leaving a call to action to the students for them to be part of efforts in promoting student welfare and wellbeing, particularly through being a peer support volunteer.
