The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), in partnership with Nobleminds Academy and Lab1 Diagnostic Center, conducted seminar entitled “Heightening Mental Health Awareness and Creating a Supportive Workplace Environment” last 06 September 2018 at the Audio Visual Room of the AFAB Administration Building, FAB, Mariveles, Bataan.

The seminar aims to heighten awareness and understanding of mental health and mental disorders as well as to help employers foster a healthy and supportive workplace through awareness of their employee’s mental health concerns.

The first part of the seminar was facilitated by Intervention Services Program Manager of the Philippine Mental Health Association Llewelyn Issa B. Dela Cruz where she talked about the meaning of mental health and mental health disorders. She underscored the myths, misunderstandings, stereotypes and attitudes that surround mental illness and how these result in the judgement, discrimination, and isolation of people with mental illness, as well as their families and careers. She also mentioned how seminars like such help reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

On the other hand, Managing Director of Nobleminds Academy Norbie Casabal facilitated the second lecture where he emphasized the importance of a supportive work environment and how it should foster an employee’s physical, psychological, and psychosocial needs. He added that to be able to achieve a supportive work environment, leaders should behave in a way that makes employees feel safe, they belong, and are important.

In attendance were Human Resources Managers and Nurses from different FAB Enterprises. In addition to the seminar, free consultation on basic medical and diagnostic check-up was hosted by Lab1 Diagnostic Center.

AFAB