Saint Louis University (SLU), through the University Instruction Development Committee (UIDC), held the faculty capacity-building session “UPSTART 2025: Unifying Effectiveness and Deepening Communal Compassion” on 18 September 2025 at the Prince Bernhard Gym, SLU Main Campus, gathering faculty members from SLU including the Basic Education School (BEdS).
Engr. Jeffrey Des B. Binwag, Chair of the UIDC and Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), welcomed the participants and outlined the program’s lineup. These included key university updates and orientations, as well as the skill-building session for faculty on Psychological First Aid (PFA) facilitated by SLU’s Center for Counselling and Wellness (CCW). In highlighting these topics vital to today’s academic landscape, he said, “SLU is innovating and empowering everyone to evolve with the changing times.”
The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Felina P. Espique, PhD, then set the direction of the full-day program, underscoring the need to strengthen research-based academic innovation and engagement in classroom instruction, student mentorship, and through the services provided by the institutional offices. As a community that values quality education, Dr. Espique said, “We are to prove that SLU delivers value with strength, unity, and excellence.”
UPSTART 2025 began, featuring key resource persons from various institutional offices.
The orientation on the SLU Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center, formerly the University Research and Innovation Center, featured talks on research, methods, innovation, extension, and ethics by SLU RISE Center Director Richel L. Lamadrid, PhD; Laarni Natividad, PhD; Engr. Harold Lagto; Andrew Ducas; Jeramie Molino, PhD; and Rainier Lacalle, PhD.
An orientation by SLU institutional offices followed, with presentations by:
- Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD – Office for Global Relations, Alumni Affairs, and Scholarships (OGRAASP), formerly Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs (OGRAA)
- Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD – Sustainable Development Goals Center (SDG Center)
- Andrew S. Macalma, PhD – University Registrar’s Office (URO)
- Joey G. Gapasin – University Libraries (UL)
- Cecilia A. Mercado, PhD – Data Protection Office (DPO) and Information Systems and Technology Services Department (ISTSD), formerly Technology Management and Development Department (TMDD)
- Hector L. Martin – Office for Institutional Development and Quality Assurance (OIDQA)
The afternoon sessions centered on Psychological First Aid (PFA), with talks on rationale, the Look-Listen-Link core values in conducting PFA, and self-care for faculty as PFA providers by the CCW team, including Marie Ellami S. Refuerzo, RGC, RPSY, RPM; Nerissa T. Gonzalo, RGC; Feebie T. Sumauang, RPsy; and Rhoda Joy A. Avila, RGC.
A batch 1 simulation for deans, department heads, clinical instructors, and OJT coordinators followed, also led by the Center for Counselling and Wellness.
UPSTART 2025 underscored SLU’s dedication to valuing its faculty members by fostering communal compassion through collaborative capacity-building efforts. (Photos by John Erick Cortez, UIO Intern)
