The UP Psychology Society (UP PsychSoc) has long been a beacon of hope and support for children with special educational needs. Their project, InDAK, has become a flagship initiative, emphasizing the importance of accessible and relevant special education and mental health wellness services. With their partnership dating back to 2008, UP PsychSoc has been actively involved with Batino Elementary School, a center dedicated to children with special educational needs. This article delves into the motivations, challenges, and successes of the InDAK project, based on an interview with Joaquin Guevara, a dedicated member of UP PsychSoc. The Genesis of InDAK UP PsychSoc’s partnership with Batino Elementary School began in 2008, with a shared goal of advancing psychology through self-expression and vocation. Initially, the organization focused on sensory activities such as texture and scent-based sessions to assist students with visual impairments and learning disabilities. Over time, the objectives evolved to include supplementary activities that complement classroom learnings, helping children to socialize and energize themselves such as arts, puppeteering, painting, singing, and theater, alongside sports and dancing to hone fine motor skills and spatial awareness. Overcoming Challenges Transitioning to a predominantly face-to-face setup in the academic year 2023-2024 posed several challenges. The InDAK team dedicated the initial months to establishing logistical systems and partnership communications. With the groundwork laid by the previous year’s committee and the support from the UP NSTP-NSRC Office, the organization navigated budget constraints and logistical hurdles successfully. Despite scheduling conflicts due to academic calendar mismatches, transport strikes, and national holidays, the team focused on enhancing session quality through internal production works, increasing volunteer turnout, and setting engaging activities. Participation and Engagement The active participation of students and their families has been a cornerstone of InDAK’s success. Students eagerly engaged in activities, particularly those related to art and dancing. Guardians played a crucial role in behavioral management and interaction, working closely with volunteers to ensure children’s engagement. This collaboration fostered bonding between parents and children, enhancing the overall impact of the sessions. Practical and Recreational Activities In the current academic year, InDAK activities included beaded bracelet making and mural creation. […]
reservists
Tokens of appreciation were presented to the partner organizations and core volunteers of the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) during the Gawad NSRC held at the Maynilad Room, College of Engineering on May 20, 2019. Aside from celebrating service, the yearly recognition program is held to induce, among the volunteers, a sense of value and appreciation to further fuel them to remain true to their oath as reservists. Among the participants were members of UP Radio Circle who provides assistance to the NSTP Diliman Office in the conduct of Serbisyong Tatak UP sa DZUP; UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan, UP Political Society, and UP Chemical Engineering Society, who implemented civic welfare and literacy projects under the Reservist Grant for Student Organizations; members of NSRC First Responders; and officers of College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP)-NSRC. NSRC Deputy Director Jonalou S. Labor also took the opportunity to present the nature of the NSRC Diliman as a School-Based Reserve Unit in order for new and existing reservists to fully understand its structure and mission. He also presented existing volunteer opportunities that reservists could take part of in the coming months. Performers from the College of Music, UP Dancesport Society, and Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-Gapi) also graced the event to deliver a special performance for the awardees. by Vianne Grace C. Delfinado
For the year 2018, the NSTP Diliman Office, through the Academic Program Improvement Grant, undertook a project that is entitled “Synchronizing NSTP and NSRC towards the mobilization of UPD SRC.” Said project aimed to develop a mechanism that will sustain the sense of volunteerism in every NSTP student even after they have finished the course. The Office acknowledges the diversity of extension services in the University which can be tapped for the mobilization of the reservists who, in turn, can be great resources in the implementation of the colleges’ extension programs. In line with this, among the objectives of the project are: 1) to enhance NSTP programs to strengthen the capacity of the colleges offering NSTP in maximizing the potential of the students in carrying out the programs spearheaded by the extension offices; and 2) to come up with a policy recommendation to establish a mechanism for the reservists to carry on with their commitment of service. To this end, various data gathering methods were employed to acquire relevant information for the crafting of the policy recommendation. Activities and programs of the extension offices were gathered and organized into a database to predetermine if there are any volunteer needs that the reservists may fill and to evaluate if the opportunities present can provide a fulfilling and enriching experience to the students. Thereafter, an interview was conducted among extension heads who are willing to forge partnership with NSTP Diliman Office in this project. On October 29, 2018, a simultaneous workshop of clustered NSTP college coordinators with extension heads and representatives was held to explore possible programs that may strengthen the partnership between the NSTP Office and extension offices and also to discuss the recommended provisions that will form part of the policy recommendation.This policy has been created to ensure that all potential volunteers will be treated in a fair and consistent way. It should also aid in understanding what support is available to them and what they can expect from their volunteering experience. Moreover, it will serve as a guide on how to properly integrate the volunteers into the organizational structure […]
On February 19, 2018, the NSTP Diliman Office launched the Gawad NSRC to express appreciation to the members of NSRC, who have been actively participating as volunteers to NSTP and NSRC activities and programs. Student organizations from the College of Mass Communication, Radio Circle and Broadcasters’ Guild, were also recognized during the event for being our partner organizations in our activities and programs such as the NSTP Radio Program at DZUP 1602 “Serbisyong Tatak UP”, Serbisyong Tatak UP para sa Marawi Initiatives and NSTP Graduations. The event was held at Seminar Room A, NEC Building from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It served as a celebration for their valuable contribution to the success of NSTP Diliman’s activities and programs. by Vianne Grace C. Delfinado