19 June 2014- Over 30 participants attended a seminar on health and ageing held on April 27 at the Philippine Embassy in Paris.  The seminar was organized by the Philippine Migrant Women Acting against Violence (PMWAV) – a working group of Filipino migrant women volunteers based in Paris – as part of the Gender and Development (GAD) activity of the Embassy.

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa Lazaro informed the participants that the Embassy would study the existing bilateral social security agreement with France.

She said, “We have an agreement with France on social security which was signed in 1990, but I hear that only a few people have availed of these benefits. It may be time to update the agreement to make it more relevant.”

Using theatre techniques and group dynamics led by thespian Connie Chua, the participants were able to share their health and ageing concerns. These were later addressed by various experts such as Dr. Jade Peña, a technical advisor of French non-governmental organization Doctors without Borders, and Ms. Marie Grace Lauron, a clinical and transcultural psychologist.

Embassy GAD focal points Rapunzel Acop and Eunika Lesli Leyva-Tiongco also presented the salient features of the bilateral social security agreement while Mr. Roberto Ramos, Head of PNB Paris, answered questions on social security.

PMWAV members Sally Rousset and Rosalie Castro moderated the seminar. END