On March 2, 2026, academic members and esteemed management members from the University of Baguio embarked on a meaningful journey of reflection, creativity, and a guided healing journey, and a better understanding of mental health awareness using expressive arts and heightened self-expression.
Facilitated by the Human Resource Management Center (HRMC) of the university, the workshop took place at the university’s Centennial Hall, purposefully designed with a clear and compassionate objective to use artistic techniques as a medium for a safe and reflective space where individuals can simply be human. Through expressive arts, the management participants were invited to slow down and turn inward, engaging in painting and mixed-media activities that encouraged them to express what words sometimes struggle to articulate.
Alt Text: Academic leaders and esteemed management of the institution, in collaboration with Canvas of Hope, art and recreation activities at the Centennial Hall, University of Baguio
The institution had the opportunity to collaborate with the dedicated team from Canvas of Hope, whose advocacy centers on mental health awareness through creative expression. Led by Dr. Josh Agpaoa, the session was facilitated with the intention of becoming a healing journey and recreation without pressure to explain, justify, or disclose personal narratives.
Alt Text: Dr. Josh Agpaoa, along with representatives and academic members, during the Canvas of Hope event
Mental Health Through Artistic Expression
In the midst of daily responsibilities, constant decision-making, and the weight of leadership demands, the management team made a powerful and intentional choice: to pause. Not to draft policies, strategize institutional plans, or finalize reports. But to reconnect with themselves through the transformative power of mixed-media activities. The workshop affirmed an essential truth, as self-awareness is not a luxury reserved for moments of convenience.
Alt Text: Academic leaders and esteemed management of the institution, in collaboration with Canvas of Hope, art and recreation activities at the Centennial Hall, University of Baguio
It is a necessity, especially for those entrusted with guiding an academic community. Leadership demands clarity of vision, strength of character, and empathy of heart. By providing a SAFE space to EXPRESS emotions through ARTISTRY, the institution reinforced that mental and spiritual well-being are foundational to effective leadership.
Alt Text: Different art styles and creations from the management participants during the collaboration with Canvas of Hope, art and recreation activities at the Centennial Hall, University of Baguio
Beyond the canvases and paint palettes, the initiative strongly aligned with global priorities for holistic development. It reflected the call of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
- 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting mental health awareness and emotional resilience among institutional leaders
- 4 (Quality Education) in recognizing that educational excellence is sustained when educators and administrators are mentally and spiritually well
- 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through meaningful collaboration with external mental health advocates to strengthen institutional well-being initiatives
More than an art workshop, the gathering became a statement. It declared that leadership thrives not solely on efficiency or expertise, but on emotional resilience and spiritual clarity. The activity reminded participants that to lead others well, one must first care for oneself. To guide with wisdom, one must create room to reflect. To inspire excellence, one must remain grounded in empathy.
Alt Text: Academic leaders and esteemed management of the institution, in collaboration with Canvas of Hope, art and recreation activities at the Centennial Hall, University of Baguio
As the management team stepped away from their canvases, they carried more than completed artworks. They brought with them renewed awareness, restored calm, and a strengthened commitment to cultivating a safe, compassionate, and mentally healthy university community.
Alt Text: Academic leaders and esteemed management of the institution, in collaboration with Canvas of Hope, art and recreation activities at the Centennial Hall, University of Baguio
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time” – Thomas Merton
This reflection beautifully captured the heart of the experience. Through the arts, UB leaders discovered the paradox of presence; in losing themselves in color and motion, they rediscovered parts of themselves long overshadowed by duty. Each brushstroke became an act of awareness. Every collage element reflected both complexity and clarity. The process of creation transformed into a process of renewal.
Alt Text: Group shot of the Academic leaders and esteemed management together with their creations, in collaboration with Canvas of Hope, art and recreation activities at the Centennial Hall, University of Baguio
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Written by: Mary Joy B. Limpin – HRMC
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
