The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA) marked its 27th founding anniversary with a meaningful lineup of activities held from October 21 to 30, 2024. OVCCA and its supervised units engaged the UPLB community through a variety of programs aligned with the mission of fostering a safe, healthy, and enabled campus community.
The celebration opened on October 21 with a specialized training session organized by the UPLB Gender Center. The event focused on Active Listening Skills and Psychosocial Counseling Techniques, incorporating Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). Designed for Student Welfare Committee members from various colleges, the program equipped participants with critical skills to address mental health needs within the university and support student well-being.
On the same day, the Gender Center also offered free self-care services at its headquarters, including HIV and syphilis screening and PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) initiation, highlighting the center’s efforts to promote sexual health within the university.
The remaining activities were pushed back with Typhoon Kristine damaging the campus on October 22. The UPLB Housing Office mobilized all its skilled workers to secure the university’s housing units and beneficiaries. The Security and Safety Office, on the other hand, performed rescue and clearing operations as part of its disaster risk reduction efforts.
Originally scheduled for October 24, the Kalusugan Fiesta was postponed to October 30 due to the impact of Typhoon Kristine. Hosted annually by the University Health Service (UHS), the event commemorated OVCCA’s foundation through a vibrant, health-centered celebration.
Despite the delay, the Kalusugan Fiesta successfully drew about 100 UPLB personnel and staff housing beneficiaries who availed of free diagnostic tests such as ECG and Ankle Brachial Index, and screenings for sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid.
Over 50 pharmaceutical partners supported the event, offering free medicines, supplements, nutraceuticals, and dental kits to participants.
Additionally, a vaccination drive provided immunizations for pneumonia, chicken pox, and shingles at discounted prices. UHS also organized a seminar on vaccine-preventable diseases, reflecting the unit’s commitment to preventive healthcare.
The Security and Safety Office (SSO) rescheduled its Free Bike Clinic and Campus Road Safety Seminar, originally planned for October 22, to a Campus Security Seminar on October 30. The seminar provided SSO personnel with updated knowledge on safety and security standards, including threat management, security tools, and best practices for enhancing campus security. The training underscored OVCCA’s dedication to maintaining a secure campus environment by investing in the continuous development of its security personnel.
As the OVCCA commemorated its 27th year, its anniversary activities highlighted the office’s unwavering dedication to UPLB’s constituents. Through wellness programs, mental health support, and security initiatives, OVCCA reaffirmed its role as a vital force for community welfare and resilience. (Roi Mojado)