In line with its commitment to community development and gender-responsive extension services, the College of Business Administration and Accountancy of the University of Northern Philippines spearheaded an extension activity “Balancing Care and Security: A GAD-Focused Training on Massage Therapy Skills and Long-term Financial Goal Setting for School Personnel” on March 13, 2026, at Magsingal National High School, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.
The training aimed to empower school personnel by equipping them with practical wellness skills and financial literacy that support both personal well-being and long-term financial stability. Anchored on Gender and Development (GAD) principles, the activity highlighted the importance of self-care and financial preparedness, particularly among educators who continuously dedicate their time and energy to serve the community.
One of the highlights of the program was the hands-on session on massage therapy conducted by Ms. Maricel Navarro, who served as the trainer. During the session, Ms. Navarro demonstrated basic massage techniques that participants can use to relieve stress and physical fatigue, which are common among school personnel due to the demands of their profession. Participants were also guided on proper body mechanics and safe application of massage techniques to promote relaxation and wellness.
Complementing the wellness training were financial literacy discussions delivered by invited resource speakers. Ms. Katherine Rabbon and Ms. Joedethe Rabara facilitated a session on “Introduction to Simple Investments,” where they introduced participants to accessible financial instruments such as time deposits, mutual funds, and the Pag-IBIG MP2 savings program. The speakers emphasized the importance of developing saving and investment habits as early as possible to secure financial stability in the future.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nathalie Almero led a comprehensive discussion on retirement planning and long-term financial goals for teachers. She highlighted the significance of strategic financial planning, encouraging participants to prepare for retirement by setting clear financial goals, managing expenses wisely, and exploring available investment opportunities. Her talk underscored that financial security plays a crucial role in ensuring peace of mind and a comfortable life beyond one’s years of active service.
The activity was arranged and coordinated by Dr. Eileen Paculan, Extension Coordinator of the College of Business Administration, who emphasized the importance of integrating wellness and financial literacy in extension initiatives. She noted that equipping educators with practical skills and knowledge not only enhances their personal well-being but also strengthens their capacity to serve as role models in their respective communities.
Through initiatives like this, the College of Business Administration and Accountancy continues to extend its expertise beyond the university, fostering empowerment, resilience, and sustainable well-being among partner institutions and communities. The training also reaffirmed UNP’s dedication to promote programs that support both the physical and financial welfare of educators, recognizing their vital role in shaping future generations.
