29 March 2026, Seoul. As we bring our Women’s month celebration into a close, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – South Korea, successfully conducted a mental health awareness seminar entitled “Building Inner Strength: Coping with Stress through Self-Awareness.”

The event took place at the Sentro Rizal Hall and was attended by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs) holding various visa types, including E-9, E-7, F-1, and F-6.

The seminar opened with welcome remarks from Labor Attaché Rosemarie G. Duquez, who warmly greeted participants and emphasized the importance of mental well-being among Filipinos living and working abroad. She underscored the growing challenges related to stress, emotional struggles, and mental health concerns, noting that these realities call for compassion, awareness, and proactive support.

“Today is really about you—your well-being, your stories, and your strength,” she shared, encouraging participants to view seeking help as a sign of strength rather than weakness.

An inspirational message was delivered by Her Excellency Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, who highlighted the significance of continuous efforts in promoting women empowerment and mental health awareness. She acknowledged that while stress is a natural part of life, it can become debilitating if not properly managed.

“The world is chaotic… and sometimes, even in the midst of many, one can feel alone,” the Ambassador noted. She further emphasized the importance of awareness, proper stress management, and seeking professional help when necessary, while encouraging participants to share what they learned with their families and communities.

The seminar featured a comprehensive and engaging discussion led by Ms. Jovelyn E. Kim, Doctor of Humanities, who provided practical tools and insights on self-awareness, stress management, and building inner resilience. Her session guided participants in recognizing personal stress triggers, understanding emotional responses, and developing healthy coping mechanisms suited to their individual experiences.

Through interactive sharing and reflective exercises, Ms. Kim emphasized the importance of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and maintaining a balanced perspective amid the pressures of working and living abroad. She also highlighted simple yet effective strategies such as grounding techniques, positive self-talk, and establishing support systems within the community.

Moreover, she encouraged participants to cultivate self-compassion and to seek professional help when necessary, reinforcing that mental wellness is a continuous process that requires awareness, acceptance, and intentional action.

Following the session, a Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to the resource speaker in recognition of her valuable contribution to the program.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Welfare Officer Cornelia DG. Chanco, who expressed gratitude to all participants, facilitators and resource speaker for their active engagement and reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippine government to support the holistic well-being of Filipinos overseas.

This initiative reflects the continued dedication of the Philippine Embassy, MWO, and OWWA to address the mental health needs of Filipinos in South Korea, fostering a supportive community where individuals are empowered to cope with life’s challenges and build inner strength. END