Write-up by Cyril Noroña, MAEd Art Education
The 4th National MAPEH Seminar, with the theme Promoting Wellness in MAPEH, was held on July 13, 2019 in the Benitez Theater, UP College of Education. It was organized by the UPCEd Art and Health Education Areas, and sponsored by Vibal Publishing and Prestige Paper Products. Prof. Lorelei Vinluan welcomed the 130 participants who came public and private schools in Luzon. Meanwhile, the speakers, all of whom are practicing professionals, talked about wellness in their respective fields.
Dr. Jaclyn Cauyan, a professor in Counselor Education, gave the first talk on wellness. She stated the importance of watching out for both physical and mental wellness. She discussed the eight dimensions of wellness, as well as practical ways in keeping healthy for each dimension.
Ms. Ruth Manalo, a resident nutritionist and dietitian in the University Health service, highlighted nutrition in what students usually eat, and what they should be eating – more fruits and vegetables. What they eat provides nutrition, and lack thereof affects their performance, particularly in school.
Prof. Revin Santos, a professor in Sports Science, discussed the need for a change in lifestyle, emphasizing that being healthy also involves daily activities and that there is a need to change from a sedentary to an active lifestyle. He also said that the best way to encourage and teach healthy living to students is by example.
Prof. Daisy Ragragio-Valenciano, a professor in Music Education, talked about how music can be instrumental to the soul’s wellness. She shared teaching strategies on how to make music relevant and move students to encourage expression, where the soul comes into play.
Last but not the least, Prof. Amos Manlangit, a lecturer in the College of Fine Arts, talked about integrating wellness strategies in Art Education, and how art can facilitate a curative process and therapeutic experience. He linked it with how art has helped his students with disabilities, the different levels of creative engagement students can have in art production, and how teachers can plan activities accordingly.
The speakers also incited introspection among the teachers, making them reflect on their own health and well-being. The practical ways the speakers shared to help improve the students’ well-being can also be applied to teachers. As Prof. Cauyan implied, while teachers watch out for their students’ wellbeing, they should not forget about their own.
The seminar ended with closing remarks by Prof. Grace Duka-Pante.
