30 July 2020, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through POLO OWWA, held a pioneering online seminar for Filipinos in Korea entitled "Building Resilience during COVID-19 and the New Normal" on 26 July 2020.

Charge d'affaires, a.i. Christian L. de Jesus welcomed the more than eighty (80) Filipinos in Korea who were participating over the internet from their own homes or sites, and underscored the importance of being resilient and mentally healthy during this time of pandemic. "After 6 months of the pandemic, we have come to terms with social distancing measures as a means to prevent the spread of community infection. However, these measures and the continued threat of COVID-19 to our life and our loved ones could also take its toll on our mental health," he said.

The seminar kicked off with a discussion on mental health from Dr. Alyssa Kae Alegre, a clinical psychologist and an expert in handling cases that involve people battling with stress, anxiety and depression. The lively discussion of Dr. Majella Tumangan- Villaroman, a renowned Philippine and international expert on mental health and resilience, rallied the participants and engaged them in various exercises to enhance their psychological well-being. She taught the participants habits that they can practice daily in order to develop their resilience especially during this time of pandemic. As the session closed, the participants could be heard happily chanting, "RESILIENCE is to THRIVE not just to SURVIVE!"

POLO OWWA partnered with the United Filipinos in Korea (UFILKOR) and its chapters headed by its newly elected President, Ms. Mercy Hachero, in holding this mental health seminar.

CDA de Jesus reaffirmed the Embassy's commitment to provide relevant and meaningful services for Filipinos in Korea, despite social distancing measures. Following the CDA's directive, POLO OWWA vowed to continue to hold series of information and learning activities that may be held online, in cooperation with the Embassy's attached agencies and the Filipino community organizations in South Korea. END


30 July 2020