University News

GEDSIO Promotes Active Aging Through Tai Chi

Aella Marie Pusod And Karylle Anne Cabugos, News, Communication Management Office

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Employees and faculty aged 50 and above stepped into the Karate Room of the PUP Gymnasium, Sta. Mesa Campus on October 6, 2026 not only to learn Tai Chi, but to put active aging into practice as the University observed Elderly Filipino Week 2026. 

Organized by the Gender Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion Office (GEDSIO), the Introduction to Tai Chi session introduced participants to basic movements, meditation, and breathing techniques that they could continue practicing at home.

For Meica M. Aguinaldo, Chief of the Inclusivity and Diversity Programs, Projects, and Advocacy Section, the activity was also an opportunity to challenge the way older people are commonly perceived. 

“Gusto po natin tanggalin yung notion natin sa mga older people na kapag iniisip or sinabi yun, mas hindi na gumagalaw or nanghihina na,” Aguinaldo said.

(We want to dispel the notion that older people are no longer active or are becoming physically weaker simply because of their age.)

_{Photo courtesy of: PUP Gender and Development Office ‘Official’ FB Page}

The Tai Chi was led by Sean Elijah Sy, Secretary General of the Philippine Wushu Colleges and Club Association. He explained the basic principles of the practice before guiding participants through stretching exercises and a short meditation intended to introduce the role of a clear and relaxed mind in Tai Chi.

Participants then followed Sy as he demonstrated the basic movements and forms of the practice, before applying what they had learned through a group demonstration.

Sy emphasized that Tai Chi is not limited to those with prior experience or advanced physical ability.  

“Ang Tai Chi ay hindi formal learning. So, everyone can do Tai Chi, even yung mga disabled. They can do Tai Chi,” Sy said.

(Tai Chi is not a formal learning activity, so everyone can participate in it, including persons with disabilities.)

The session centered on three principles of Tai Chi: freeing the mind and body, maintaining balance, and breathing naturally. The exercise was also presented as a way to develop muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, while helping reduce stress and support mental well-being.

More importantly, participants were encouraged to continue practicing after the session. Sy shared that those interested in learning Tai Chi further can join a group that practices in Luneta Park every morning, providing participants with an avenue to continue learning beyond the PUP activity.

_{Photo courtesy of: PUP Gender and Development Office ‘Official’ FB Page}

The invitation extended the purpose of the session beyond Elderly Filipino Week. What participants learned at the Karate Room of PUP Gymnasium could become part of a regular physical activity routine, whether practiced at home or with others in a community setting.

The activity reflects PUP’s commitment to creating an inclusive university community where older members remain able to participate in activities that support their physical and mental well-being. It ultimately reinforced a message that growing older does not have to mean becoming inactive. For the participants, staying in motion can begin with something as simple as learning how to breathe, balance, and move.

This initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being through its emphasis on physical activity, balance, stress reduction, and mental wellness.  It also supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing participants with an opportunity to learn a new practice that they can continue beyond the activity. Meanwhile, its emphasis on inclusion connects with SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, while the University's efforts to strengthen inclusive and responsive programs are aligned with SDG 16: Peace, Justice,  and Strong Institutions.