SHAPE UP: Empowering Naawan Through Sustainable, Inclusive Wellness Initiatives

The Sustainable Holistic Activities and Physical Enhancement Unified Program (SHAPE UP), led by Assoc. Prof. Rosevel B. Colegado, ran from June 2023 to June 2024 and delivered meaningful, long-lasting benefits to the Naawan community. Far more than a year-long activity, SHAPE UP served as a holistic wellness framework composed of three synergistic projects, Kids ‘n Shape, Music and Movement for the Elderly and Physically Challenged, and Arts for Life, each addressing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of different sectors of society.

One of its strongest pillars, Music and Movement for the Elderly and Physically Challenged, was built on a comprehensive needs assessment approved by senior citizen and PWD community leaders with the presence of DSWD officers. The program offered simple, fun, and culturally meaningful movement sessions guided by music, helping participants improve physical mobility, emotional stability, self-expression, and social connectedness. As emphasized in the project rationale, belongingness and togetherness play a vital role in seniors’ well-being, a need the program consistently met through monthly themed sessions that encouraged reflection on health, memory, gratitude, community, comfort, and love 

Its impact extended into homes and the wider community. Families observed increased alertness, better emotional balance, and strengthened communication among participants. The structured themes and guided reflection helped elderly and physically challenged individuals regain confidence, rediscover purpose, and build positive daily self-care habits. At the same time, Kids ‘n Shape and Arts for Life nurtured early healthy habits, creativity, and intergenerational bonding, creating a culture of wellness that stretched across age groups.

SHAPE UP also showcased the power of strong local collaboration. Supported by the LGU, Barangay Council, MSU Extension, and CSDO, the program mobilized resources, strengthened community partnerships, and aligned with DSWD’s long-term vision of empowering vulnerable and disadvantaged groups through coordinated social services and social protection mechanisms. This placed Naawan at the forefront of inclusive, community-based wellness programs.

This day, July 24, 2024, marks the culmination of this phase of SHAPE UP, but it certainly does not signal the end of the initiative. On the contrary, the program has laid down a strong sustainability mechanism that ensures its activities continue beyond the project cycle. The wellness sessions will now be integrated into the regular monthly programming of the Senior Citizen Office and PWD organizations, embedding SHAPE UP’s benefits into the community’s routine. As outlined in the proposal, each session is intentionally designed for continuity, enhancement, and further refinement, guaranteeing that the program’s impact endures well beyond its initial implementation and continues to flourish with the needs of the community.

SHAPE UP has proven that when a university works hand in hand with its community, wellness becomes not just a project, but a shared way of life.

For more information:

Memorandum of Agreement

Sustainable Holistic Activities and Physical Enhancement Unified Program 

Music and Movement for Elderly and Physically Challenged Individuals