Advancing Performing Arts Health: Health Screening at the UP College of Music Using the DIVA Preparticipation Screening

The Performing Arts Medicine Advocates National Association of the Philippines (PAMANA PH) extends its sincere gratitude to the University of the Philippines College of Music for hosting a two-day students’ health screening event last September 9 and 10 in UP Diliman.

In collaboration with the Philippine General Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (PGH DRM) and the UP College of Human Kinetics Sports Physical Therapy team, PAMANA PH screened dancers, instrumentalists, vocalists, and actors across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as faculty and staff. This initiative marked the first implementation in the Philippines of the Dancer, Instrumentalist, Vocalist, Actor (DIVA) Preparticipation Screening.

The DIVA Preparticipation Screening is a consensus best-practice screening tool developed for performing artists, consisting of a detailed self-report questionnaire and a structured physical examination conducted by trained healthcare professionals.

This milestone initiative provided valuable insight into the health profile and needs of the UP College of Music community. PAMANA PH hopes to bring the DIVA screening program to other artistic schools and performing arts communities across the country, strengthening preventive care and supporting the long-term well-being of Filipino artists.

Photos by Dr. Jennifer Yang and Dr. Ria Panis