DOH showcases beauty, wellness through ‘Gupit Lupit’ in Pangasinan

Local hairdressers and barbers of Binalonan, Pangasinan provided free hair grooming services during the launching of the “Gupit, Lupit: Beauty and Wellness Day” held at The Tent Event’s Center on October 25, 2023 

Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region led by the Health Promotion Unit in partnership with the local government of Binalonan launched the “Gupit Lupit: Beauty and Wellness Day” in support of the Mental Health Awareness Month on October 25, 2023 at the Tent Event’s Center in Binalonan, Pangasinan. 

A total of 120 participants joined the activity and participated in the lecture and free haircut where attendees were given various styles of haircuts and other self-care activities which were provided by hair stylists in the locality. 

Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, in her message, emphasized the importance of self-care and hygiene by pointing out that cleanliness is a great virtue and that by having a clean body, one can also have a clean mind. “Maaliwalas ang kaisipan kapag malinis ang katawan and you feel healthy both in mind and body.” 

“Good personal hygiene and good grooming are the best self-care activities and we must practice and make it a daily habit.” 

Sydiongco also extended her appreciation to the hairstylists/hairdressers and manicurists/pedicurist who provided services and the Provincial Health Office of Pangasinan for facilitating the community playbook. 

The “Gupit, Lupit: Beauty and Wellness Day” activity is part of the community communication playbook being implemented in the Region with emphasis on the seven healthy habits under the DOH’s Health Promotion Framework Strategy 2021 to 2030 specifically under priority area 5: mental health with the tagline -“Care for yourself, care for others.” 

Regional Health Promotion Unit Head Cheryl D. Buhong said that the Gupit Lupit aims to provide an opportunity to instill in residents especially those belonging to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) who attended the event, the importance of self-care and practice it on a daily basis. 

The activity was in coordination with the Rural Health Unit of Binalonan who hosted the activity. 

Aside from free hair grooming, attendees were also given manicure and pedicure services including hygiene kits.