A Healthy University aspires to create a learning environment and organizational culture that enhances the health, well-being, and sustainability of its community, enabling individuals to achieve their full potential.

UP Manila has taken a key step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable learning and working environment with the official launch of the UP Manila Healthy University and unveiling of its 2023 Health and Safety Policy. 

The event, held online and onsite on May 25, 2023 at the College of Medicine’s Henry Sy Hall Auditorium underscored UP Manila’s commitment to prioritize the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff, while fostering an environment that promotes health, wellness, and sustainability.

The Healthy University Policy and Framework, introduced during the event, consolidates and builds upon the university’s existing initiatives, laying a solid foundation for future administrations to continue. To ensure its success, UP Manila plans to establish the Office of Healthy University which will work collaboratively with the Health and Safety Committee and its subcommittees composed of  experts from diverse fields.

Over the years, UP Manila has made tremendous progress in prioritizing the well-being of its community members through the implementation of various policies and programs. Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Dr. Arlene Samaniego highlighted the formation of the Health and Safety Committee in the early 1980s. Initially focused on developing and overseeing occupational health and safety policies and programs, the HSC now collaborates with the administration to provide capacity-building programs that enhance knowledge and skills within the different colleges and units of UP Manila. Moreover, the HSC plays a vital role in formulating strategies, programs, and policies to address various health concerns not only within the university but also in other institutions.

In her message, Chancellor Carmencita Padilla reflected on her proactive approach, dating back to 2015 when she initially requested Dr. Samaniego to delve into the components of what is now recognized as a “healthy university.” Although the term itself was unfamiliar at the time, UP Manila had already integrated the fundamental elements of a healthy university before it gained widespread recognition.

The concept of “Healthy Universities/Campuses” is a model introduced by the World Health Organization. A Healthy University aspires to create a learning environment and organizational culture that enhances the health, well-being, and sustainability of its community, enabling individuals to achieve their full potential.

Recognizing the need for a more cohesive approach, Dr. Samaniego, the Unit Health and Safety Committees, and the Health and Safety Technical Working Groups have dedicated themselves to consolidating and strengthening these elements, creating a sustainable framework that can be seamlessly carried forward into the next administration.

Dr. Paul Michael R. Hernandez, chair of the UPM Technical Working Group of the Healthy University Framework, introduced the 2023 Health and Safety Policy during the event. He gave updates from the 2016 policy and outlined the responsibilities of UP Manila, the UPM Health and Safety Committee, Technical Working Groups, Health and Safety Committees, as well as other offices, units, employees, and students.

In addition to the UP Manila chancellor’s signing of the memo to officially launch the 2023 Health and Safety Policy, Vice Chancellor Samaniego called upon the attendees  to pledge their commitment to a healthy university by reciting the 2023 Pledge of Commitment to a Healthy University. (Charmaine Lingdas)

Charmaine Lingdas