16 March 2016 - In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy in Mexico organized a lecture-forum focusing on health and wellness of women on March 12 at the Philippine Embassy auditorium. The activity is also in line with the Embassy’s Gender and Development program aimed at advancing the interests and development of women.

The lecture was conducted by Dra. Grace Joanne Lim-Baga, an accomplished medical surgeon at the Hospital San Ángel Inn Chapultepec in Mexico City. Dra. Lim-Baga has Filipino roots derived from her parents who migrated to Mexico some 25 years ago. 

In his welcome remarks, Chargé d´’Affaires, a.i., Angelo V. Amonoy spoke on the theme of this year’s celebration which is “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!” He cited the importance of including women in the planning, implementing and decision-making processes in society to ensure that no one is left behind. He also called on all registered overseas Filipino voters to vote for candidates not based on gender identity or popularity, but based on their having clear, realistic and inclusive platforms of governance and who carry women’s causes in their agenda.

Dra. Lim-Baga talked about the illnesses common to women, the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, their symptoms and ways of prevention. She discussed, among others, about reproductive and gastrointestinal health, breast and cervical cancer, diabetes, malignant skin disorder and osteoporosis. She also provided statistics on the top ten causes of death among men and women in Mexico.

She emphasized in her discussion that the best medicine is preventive treatment and called on the participants to regularly address the modifiable risk factors. She also advised the attendees on the importance of getting a general check-up at least once a year to screen for diseases, assess risk factors, discuss healthy lifestyle habits and keep vaccinations up-to-date. 

The lecture was well received by the audience as manifested in the lively open forum which ensued after the presentation.  For her invaluable service, the Embassy awarded Dra. Lim-Baga with a plaque of appreciation.

The event was capped by a salu-salo of Filipino dishes. END