The Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), conducted a Mental Health and Values Formation seminar workshop at Chico Breeze restaurant on June 3, 2023. This was attended by OFW returnees of Mountain Province, together with OFW dependents and OWWA scholars, with speakers from MPSPC, namely Mr. Alfred O. Fomocao, the dean of the Nursing Department, Ms. Bronwen S. Lang-akan, and Dr. Rexton F. Chakas, both from the Liberal Arts Department of MPSPC-Bontoc Campus. The said activity aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of mental health to help participants overcome stress, depression, and anxiety.
Mr. Alfred O. Fomocao explained the facts about mental health, mental illness, and mental health care tips. Additionally, he gave a group activity on coping strategies with stress where every group had to come up with solutions on how to overcome stress. The afternoon session started with a lecture from Ms. Bronwen S. Lang-akan, where she talked about Spiritual Coping and Inner Strength. She pointed out the realities of life and the responsibilities people should consider.
Dr. Rexton F. Chakas was the last speaker who pointed out the truths and facts about OFWs as well as their values. He gave a workshop wherein the participants had to identify what kind of value was depicted in the different scenarios that were presented. All the participants were cooperative and were thankful for having such an activity where they could better understand how to deal with mental stress. They hope to have more training in the future to be prepared to face the adversities in life that may come their way.
