Written by Azzele Kymm Labay and Jerric Panayo | Photographed by ROUTER
On September 25, 2025, the University of Baguio hosted the outreach program for the Visually Impaired for Positive and Progressive Dreamers (VIPPD) entitled “Inclusive Wellness: Massage Therapy Skills Enhancement for VIPPD.” The event was held at the Centennial Hall organized by the School of Business Administration & Accountancy (SBAA) in collaboration with the School of Information Technology (SIT) and the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA).
The program opened with the welcoming of guests and the 12 participating VIPPD members, led by masters of ceremonies Gianna Basilio and Ailene Emocling of SBAA. They introduced the outreach’s main objective—providing a platform that highlights and supports the VIPPDs’ massage therapy services while also expanding awareness of their rug-making business. The promotion also included their home service offerings and the locations of their on-site stalls at Maharlika and their clinic near Camp Allen.
This was followed by the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Ruby Buccat of SBAA, who emphasized the importance of empowerment through skills enhancement and entrepreneurial opportunities.The morning session continued with Mr. Jonald Agolosolos’ discussion on financial literacy, equipping the VIPPD members with essential knowledge for managing and sustaining their businesses.
Afterwards, Engr. Leonardo Abaya Jr. of SEA presented the clothes shredder innovation developed by the school, a tool that plays a vital role in producing fabric strips used for rug-making.
This was followed by the turnover of donations from RIECO, which provided 131 kilograms of used clothes for rug production, along with 360 bottles of dishwashing liquid and fabric conditioner made by the VIPPD members themselves.
The massage therapy portion of the program was then introduced by resource speaker Martin M. Allidem, who began with an orientation on the experiences of the VIPPDs in massage therapy. He discussed the essential requirements for conducting massages, including proper bed settings to ensure client comfort, as well as sanitary measures such as clean linens and proper handwashing. He also emphasized the importance of knowing clients’ vital signs to avoid aggravating any health conditions, encouraging the VIPPD members to seek assistance in obtaining such information when needed. Following the lecture, a 10-minute practice session was conducted with members of the audience and the working committees serving as clients.
The morning session concluded with the awarding of a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Allidem, after which the VIPPD members were treated to lunch prepared by the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM).
In the afternoon, four massage tents with privacy curtains were set up to begin the therapy sessions with the VIPPD members. Services offered included head and shoulder massages (₱160 for 20 minutes or ₱90 for 10 minutes), back massages (₱180 for 20 minutes or ₱100 for 10 minutes), and full-body dry massages (₱250 for 30 minutes). SBAA students assisted with promotions and monitoring of the generated income. By 3:40 PM, prices were reduced by 50% before the cut-off at 4:00 PM.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Franklin Jan Wayang, the organizer of the outreach, alongside VIPPD founder Mr. Ever Batasan, who both expressed gratitude to the partners, organizers, and participants. The day ended with the distribution of the earnings to the VIPPD members and a photo opportunity with the organizers, working committees, and VIPPD representatives.
