In celebration of World Kindness Day and the Anti-Bullying Campaign Week, the University of Batangas (UB), through the Counseling and Psychological Wellness Center (CoPWell), spearheaded a university-wide initiative titled “I am a UBian, I Advocate Kindness” on November 13, 2024. The campaign highlighted the institution’s commitment to promoting empathy, respect, and inclusivity within the UBian community.
The campaign aimed to inspire students, faculty, and staff to take a collective stand against bullying by cultivating a culture of kindness and compassion through online and on-campus activities. CoPWell encouraged participants to translate kindness into meaningful action, reminding everyone that small, consistent acts of care can create lasting change.
Among the featured activities was the “I am a UBian, I Advocate Kindness” social media campaign, which invited students to post photos that embodied friendship and gratitude using the hashtag #UBiansAdvocateKindness. This online engagement served as a platform to amplify messages of positivity and unity, fostering reflection on the impact of kindness in daily interactions.
Complementing the digital movement, CoPWell launched a video presentation entitled “Being an Upstander,” which was played across campus to emphasize the importance of speaking up and taking action against bullying. The video encouraged students to be proactive in promoting safety and respect, underscoring that even simple gestures—such as offering support or reporting harmful behavior—can make a significant difference.
Students also received “I am a UBian, I Advocate Kindness” stickers, symbolizing their personal commitment to the advocacy. The widespread display of these stickers throughout the campus became a visible testament to the collective stand of UBians against bullying.
To further reinforce the message, students were encouraged to perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)—from helping classmates and expressing gratitude to assisting staff members. These small yet powerful gestures transformed the advocacy into lived experience, demonstrating that kindness is not just a word but a way of life within the UB community.
During the celebration, homeroom guidance sessions were also dedicated to anti-bullying awareness and kindness education. Facilitated by guidance counselors, psychometricians, guidance associates, and mental health advocates or Interns, the sessions provided opportunities for students to discuss real-life scenarios, share reflections, and strengthen their resolve to promote inclusivity and empathy.
The overwhelming participation of students both in-person and online reflected the success of the campaign. Through their shared stories, creative posts, and active engagement, UBians have collectively echoed the message that kindness is a continuous choice—one that nurtures