On November 6, 2025, CHED Region 3 organized a retreat titled “Pahuway: PAUSE AND HEAL – Uplifting Wellness, Anchoring, and Yielding Inspiration: Filling the Cup-Filler’s Cup Retreat” at Stanley Hall, Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga.The retreat was designed to provide Student Affairs Services (SAS) practitioners a pause to recharge, reflect, and be inspired in their roles as educators and mentors. Among the attendees was Dr. Juanito Leabres Jr., Director of the Office of Instruction and concurrent Director of the WUP Center for Lifelong Learning of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP), who participated in the retreat and embraced the opportunities for learning and reflection.
The day began with registration and networking, followed by preliminaries that included the National Anthem and Invocation led by Mr. Jhon Kenneth San Jose, VP for Student Affairs & Services, Gapan City Colleges, and the CHED Hymn.
A message was delivered by the outgoing Regional Director, Dr. Lora L. Yusi, recently appointed Director IV of the Office of Institutional Quality and Governance of the Commission on Higher Education, reminding everyone of the importance of self-care and professional fulfillment.
The sessions, led by author, motivational speaker, and coach Mr. Jonas U. Dupo, covered topics that guided attendees in recharging their personal and professional “cups” to better serve their students and institutions. The session began with an enumeration of ten things to be grateful for, emphasizing that gratitude and happiness are free. Interactive discussions, exercises, and reflections kept everyone engaged from morning until afternoon.
For WUP, participation in the retreat offered insights into promoting wellness, resilience, and professional fulfillment among its SAS practitioners. The activities and reflective exercises provided strategies that could be applied back on campus to better support staff and students, enhance workplace morale, and foster a more holistic educational environment.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates and a synthesis of the activity, moderated by Mr. Joseph Gonzales, highlighting the key takeaways and commitments to wellness practices among the participants.
Pahuway was more than just a retreat—it was a reminder for educators that to care for others effectively, one must also care for oneself.
Article and photos by Juanito Leabres, Jr. (OI)
