BukSU CARES Hosts Wellness Wednesday Through Sing-It-Out Challenge

The Center of Advocacy, Resilience and Well-Being Services (CARES) held CARES Wellness Wednesday through a Sing-It-Out Challenge on June 24, 2026, at the AVC and Admission Lobby.

Part of the 102nd Bukidnon State University (BukSU) Founding Anniversary celebration, the activity aimed to promote employee well-being through singing, physical activity and social engagement.

“The activity encourages employees to participate in workplace singing sessions, wellness activities, and social interactions that foster stress relief, positive relationships, and a supportive work environment,” said Dr. Xyle Fe A. Verbal, CARES director.

BukSU personnel participated in wellness activities, including Kara-okey: Sing Your Worries Away, Zumba: Move, Groove and Shake Your Stress Off, and the Office-Based Sing-It-Out Wednesday Challenge, which were available throughout the day.

CARES also facilitated the Care Circle “Kamustahan” Session for school drivers and motorpool personnel. The session provided a space where participants could share experiences, discuss concerns and strengthen connections with one another.

“This initiative contributes to the university’s goal of developing a SMART workforce by promoting work-life balance and employees’ overall well-being. Through the Sing-It-Out Wednesday Challenge, CARES hopes to encourage university personnel to prioritize wellness while enjoying meaningful and engaging activities with their colleagues. The event will conclude with a restoration session,” Verbal added.

“It gives me happiness. Every personnel need this kind of activity because it encourages engagement and helps relieve stress, even for a short time,” said university personnel Ms. Marielle S. Ortiz, who participated in the Kara-okey activity.

“Through singing, I can express the heavy feelings inside me. The wellness activity has truly helped me put my pain and stress into song,” said Mr. Mard Aga S. Arellano, a university employee who said singing helped him cope with work challenges.

Launched in January, CARES Wellness Wednesday is part of the university’s initiatives on mental health and well-being. The program aligns with Republic Act No. 11036, or the Philippine Mental Health Act, which promotes mental health and well-being in educational institutions and workplaces. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to health and decent work conditions. (Cziaralyn D. Fernandez/ BukSU IU Intern)