University News

CHK champions Inclusivity; organized seminar empowering visually impaired youth

Angelo Acedera, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and accessible education by hosting the “Champions of Inclusion” International Seminar from June 4 to 6, 2025, at the PUP Gymnasium, Sta. Mesa Campus. The three-day event centered on empowering children and youth with visual impairments through adaptive educational sports camps.

Spearheaded in partnership with Parents Advocate for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC) and the Perkins School for the Blind, the seminar aimed to foster an inclusive environment by promoting sports specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs of visually impaired individuals.

According to Prof. Antonio F. Enriquez Jr., Chairperson of the Department of Sports Science under the College of Human Kinetics (CHK), the initiative is part of the college’s sustained extension programs.

“Every year, nagkakaroon kami ng extension activity with PAVIC and Perkins, dahil yung advocacy ng PAVIC na tulungan yung mga visually impaired individuals is naka-align din sa advocacy ng PUP na ma-accomodate yung mga visually impaired students,” Prof. Enriquez explained.

(Every year, we conduct extension activities in partnership with PAVIC and Perkins because their advocacy—to support visually impaired individuals—aligns with PUP’s mission of creating an inclusive learning environment for all students)

The event brought together students from the Bachelor in Physical Education (BPE) and Bachelor in Applied Science (BAS) programs, along with international delegates from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, highlighting the event’s global relevance.

One of the major highlights of the seminar was a plenary session led by Dr. Lauren Lieberman, an international consultant for Perkins Educational and founder of Camp Abilities. Dr. Lieberman introduced the concept of Universal Design for Learning in Physical Education (UDLPE)—a framework for developing inclusive physical education programs that benefit not only visually impaired learners but also individuals with various other disabilities.

The event also featured hands-on training sessions in blind soccer, swimming, and track and field, giving participants and educators alike practical experience in implementing adaptive sports. These activities served as a dynamic learning opportunity for students and faculty, enhancing their skills in inclusive physical education instruction.

“Pino-promote ng ating Sintang Paaralan ang inclusivity, we have members in our community who have disabilities, may mga students tayo who have disabilities, nakakatulong yung mga ganitong event, lalo na sa mga faculty members natin sa CHK to enhance and improve their teaching strategy or to have adaptive learning strategy na even those who have students who have disabilities can still participate. Being an inclusive University, kailangan natin masiguro na no one left behind,” Prof. Enriquez added.

(Our beloved Sintang Paaralan promotes inclusivity. We have students and community members with disabilities. Events like this help our CHK faculty enhance their teaching methods and adopt adaptive strategies so students with disabilities can fully participate. As an inclusive university, we must ensure that no one is left behind)

Fittingly, the seminar took place at the PUP Sta. Mesa Campus also known as the Mabini Campus, named in honor of national hero Apolinario Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” whose leadership and intellect shaped the Philippine revolution despite his physical limitations. His legacy of resilience and advocacy for equity mirrors the very values celebrated throughout the event.

Through initiatives like the “Champions of Inclusion” seminar, PUP continues to pave the way for a more inclusive educational landscape—one where every student, regardless of ability, is empowered to thrive.

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