In a compassionate response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine, the University of Batangas’ CoPWell Center, UBLC Community Extension Services (CES) Office, Graduate School, UBLC High School, and College Departments joined forces to provide essential relief and psychological support to families and individuals in Barangay Solis, Balete, Batangas.
The collaboration, led by the UBLC CES Office with support from the High School and College Departments, involved the distribution of relief goods to typhoon-affected families. The drive was made possible by the active participation of UBLC High School and College students, Deans, faculty members, and staff, who all came together in a unified effort to assist their neighbors in need
In addition to providing material aid, the initiative offered psychological support to help affected individuals process the traumatic experience. Following the distribution, community members participated in Psychological First Aid (PFA) sessions and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) facilitated by counselors and psychologists from the CoPWell Center and officers from PGCA-Batangas. These sessions provided a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their experiences, fostering emotional healing and strengthening community resilience.
The children, in particular, received specialized attention. CoPWell Center counselors, psychologists, and PGCA-Batangas officers organized play-based PFA activities for the young ones, aiming to uplift their spirits and promote unity. The children’s session began with a cheerful community song, “Roll Over the Ocean, Roll Over the Sea,” symbolizing resilience and togetherness. This was followed by a lively storytelling session and a game of “Pass the Ball,” where children received small prizes, candies, and sweets as tokens of joy.
This concerted effort embodies the University’s Core Value of Service to Fellowmen, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing commitment to supporting community well-being in times of adversity. Through these collective actions, the University of Batangas not only provided immediate relief but also reinforced its dedication to fostering resilience and solidarity within the community.