The University of the Philippines Padayon Public Service Office successfully hosted a webinar titled “Maligayang Pasko Nga Ba?: Managing Holiday Stress for the UP Community” on 14 December 2023 via Zoom and live-streamed on YouTube from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Two renowned experts in mental health advocacy, Dr. Shiela Marie G. Hocson and Dr. Reginald Pamugas shared their expertise and insights on how attendees can cope with and reduce stress during the holiday season.
Dr. Shiela Marie G. Hocson is the current Director of the Far Eastern University Guidance and Counselling. She is actively involved in community initiatives and organizations that focus on well-being and mental health advocacy. Meanwhile, Dr. Reginald Pamugas is the Vice President of Health Action for Human Rights and a faculty member of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. He is deeply involved in providing mental health and psychosocial support training and workshops for various sectors.
Participants from diverse backgrounds, including the UP community, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the general public, attended the informative and engaging webinar. Attendees were able to gain valuable tips and strategies that could help them navigate the complexities of the holiday season with more ease and peace of mind.
The webinar is UP Padayon’s way of contributing to the bigger discussions surrounding mental health within and outside UP and part of its continuing commitment to the creation of safe spaces.