The UPLB BARKada at CATropa Program was relaunched on Nov. 20 through an activity entitled, “TAILS OF HEALING: The Relaunch of the UPLB BARKada at CATropa Animal-Assisted Intervention Program.”

The BARKada at CATropa Program is an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) program initially launched in November 2021 as part of UPLB’s initiatives to address mental health concerns among students and personnel.

The relaunching event featured sessions on mental health and the indicators of mental health problems, the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, and the effects of animal-assisted education.

Aside from having lectures, the event also held small group discussions on overcoming mental health challenges and how pets can help relieve stress. The Learning Resource Center’s Fur Staff – Sylvie and Bobbi, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis – delighted the participants with a brief appearance.

UPLB AAI Corner was also launched at the LRC Learning Hub, Student Union Building during the event. This is in line with providing a pet-friendly workspace on campus. The presence of animals in the AAI corner hopes to create a nurturing environment to reduce stress, enhance productivity, and foster positive and supportive social relationships in the university. The AAI Corner shall also be the designated area for future AAI activities.

At the end of the launching event, participants were encouraged to join different volunteer opportunities in the AAI program and serve as PAWtrollers (Animal-Welfare Team), PAWcilitators (PEER Mental Health Support), PAWtners (Human-animal team), or PAWlunteers who can assist in the implementation of AAI activities. A volunteer orientation is scheduled to be conducted in December 2023 for aspiring students, faculty, and staff who are interested in joining the UPLB AAI team.

The relaunching event was conducted in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, NSTP Office, and DEVC 126 (Participatory Development Journalism) classes of the College of Development Communication.