The University of the Philippines Diliman (UP-Diliman) launched its "Portia Sanctuary" on campus — a space aimed at promoting mental health and well-being among students and the members of the UP community.
 

In a statement released by the university on Monday, Oct. 9,  the UP Sanctuary, located in front of the Faculty Center, will serve as a "haven where students, faculty members, and staff can reconnect with nature, one another, and themselves."

The space, UP Diliman added, is also a "convenient retreat to rejuvenate" the minds of the students and members of the community "amidst the hustle and bustle of academic life."

The sanctuary was designed as a safe space for individuals experiencing heightened psychological stress, emphasizing the importance of mental health in today's society.

Also, the university added that this initiative coincides with the "Mental Health Awareness Month" celebration this October.

The initiative was launched on Oct. 4 in a ceremony attended by UP System and UP Diliman officials headed by UP President Jimenez, UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan, and UP Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The project is a collaboration between the UP Office of the President and the UP Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs - Office Student Development Services (OSDS), in partnership with the UP Portia Sorority and its alumnae association.

To further celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, UP will host the inaugural UP System Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference that will take place at UP Los Baños on Oct.11 and 12.

The webinar on Emotional and Mental Resilience will also be held via Zoom on Oct. 18.

In addition, various UP constituent universities (CUs) have organized a diverse range of events throughout the month, all aimed at promoting the collective well-being of the University community.