Mindfulness for Health and Well-being (MHW) is a mindfulness-based program developed by the FriendlyCare Foundation, Inc. (FCFI) and Center for Mindfulness Studies (CMS) - Toronto, Canada, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and the University of the Cordilleras (UC). It is a college-age course that trains attention, emotional regulation, empathy and compassion. Now in its fourth year of implementation, MHW continues to influence university students in instilling mindfulness and compassion in their everyday life.  The program came about in 2019 when the Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) awarded a grant to FriendlyCare Foundation, Inc. Categorized as a character development project, the program focused on fostering “prosocial” qualities such as empathy, compassion, and altruism. The development of the program was spearheaded by CMS, with the mindfulness facilitators from FCFI as co-developers. Together, as one team, they collaborated on developing the curriculum. 

The program as it is currently being delivered, follows a 12-session structure, with 2 hours once a week delivery. MHW was inspired from Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavior Training (MBCT) along with Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Mindful Self Compassion (MSC). Practices were derived from these existing programs to create and tailor-fit a preventive program for college-age Filipinos. It mainly focuses on utilizing mindful activities and meditation in improving one’s mental health and well-being.  Participants Will Learn Students will learn to control their attention by noticing the wandering mind and the automaticity of their sensations and arising thoughts. These sessions also encompass the skills and practices that will help them regulate their emotions and allow them to be more compassionate to one’s self. Sessions following these expand to the key mindfulness capabilities which will teach the students to extend the lessons they have learned from the previous sessions to other people and their community. 

As the students finish the program, they get to have a better understanding of one’s sense of self, sense of belonging in their community, and sense of meaning/purpose in the world. The students become more aware of how the program has impacted their lives by becoming more mindful and compassionate individuals – to themselves and others.  Who Should Attend  Students who want to strengthen their mental and emotional resilience are encouraged to join this class. As they learn about various mindfulness practices and techniques, they will be able to apply these skills in their everyday lives.