PAGHIRINUGPONG

Introduction:

The pandemic has brought a lot of changes in the world around us. It has posed a lot of challenges to everyone. It has been a struggle to cope with the demands of work as well as keeping oneself altogether.

This program is intended to enhance the general wellbeing of the SHS Faculty and Staff. Through this program, we hope to help our Faculty and Staff in the SHS Department to meet the demands of work and provide them with opportunities for individual growth and development.

The activities under this program de-stressed our faculty and staff. This allowed them to relieve some tensions at work. Moreover, this will also be a way of team building for the department. Further, we hope to improve productivity of our faculty and staff.

Program Objectives:
The following are the specific objectives of the program:
a. maintain general wellbeing of the faculty and staff;
b. provide opportunities for growth and development;
c. create activities to de-stress faculty and staff;
d. provide opportunities for collaboration and team work; and
e. improve productivity of the faculty and staff.

Implementation:
Program is every first FRIDAY of the Month

Implementation of the Practice:
Different programs and activities were carried out during the PAGHIRINUGPONG. Specific themes for the month were identified. Further, organization and preparation of the activities were distributed to different chairpersons every month. Please see attached activities.

Further, a Teacher’s Manifesto was created and recited every start of the activity.

Some snaps during the implementation of the activity.

Results of Practice:
A survey was made to identify the effects of the wellness activities among SHS Faculty and Staff. Generally, the activities paved the way to renewed friendship and stronger camaraderie among the SHS Faculty and Staff. More so, the wellness program provided opportunities for building teamwork and cooperation as well as creativity.

Based on the survey on the effects of the wellness program, the following were generated.

Based on the above results, the majority of the SHS Faculty and Staff strongly agrees to all the positive effects of the wellness program. The program allowed them to revisit themselves and reflect how they handle challenges and difficulties. Results show the positive impact of the wellness program to the lives of the SHS Faculty and Staff. When asked of their overall feeling about the wellness program, most of the responses include the following: it relieves stress, it strengthens relationship and camaraderie, it is refreshing and enjoyable, it gives peace of mind, it develops harmonious relationship, it nurtures overall well-being, and it is a breather.

Lessons Learnt:
Paghirinugpong as a wellness program initiative is continuously helping faculty and staff in the SHS Department to de-stress. It is an opportunity to understand individual differences and strengthen the bond of each of the member of the SHS Department. It creates a ripple effect in the quality of service delivered to the stakeholders. It encompasses the personal growth and self- realization of individuals involved in the activity. Further, it also develops the leadership skills of all the members of the SHS Department as chairmanship of the activity is being rotated.
Creativity and innovativeness are also developed in preparing fun, exciting and meaningful activities.

Emotional resilience is also developed as activities provide reflections on current situations. As there is a shift in the work arrangement, employees have to be supported in dealing with some adjustments. Further, support from colleagues is developed by providing opportunities to enhance teamwork and cooperation.

Conclusions:
Paghirinugpong is one initiative which is being looked forward by the SHS faculty and staff every month. As we continue to face the challenges and effects brought about by the pandemic, we continue to uphold the mantra that mental health matters along with other significant aspects of human life. We have to ensure that aside from having physically healthy body, employees are given time to destress and take care of their mental health.

The work environment is healthy when everyone respects and understands individual differences. Through this initiative, sharing of emotions and feeling paved the way to the realization that we need a healthy working environment. With this, we help improve that productivity and efficiency of the department.

Further Reading:
Cebs, S. M. (2020, June 22). Wellness Programs Show Modest Benefits, as “Well-Being.” SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/wellness- programs-show-modest-benefits-as-efforts-pivot-to-well-being.aspx

By: Mrs. Mary Mae Jun P. Esmaya
(School Principal)