Philippine Embassy in Ankara Hosts Stress Management Seminar for Overseas Filipino Workers and Migrants
Psychologist Beyza Coban shares practical stress management tools with participants
ANKARA 18 December 2024 – As part of its Gender and Development (GAD) Program and its ongoing commitment to supporting Filipinos in its jurisdiction, the Philippine Embassy successfully organized a Stress Management Seminar for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrants.
The seminar, held on 15 December 2024 at the Embassy, was conducted in collaboration with the Çan Psychological Counselling Center and livestreamed via Facebook to reach a wider audience. The initiative aimed to provide practical tools and insights for overseas Filipinos in Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and North Cyprus, helping them navigate the challenges and stresses of living and working abroad.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. underscored the importance of mental health and self-care for OFWs. He highlighted the unique challenges Filipinos face while living far from home, challenges that can affect their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The Ambassador noted that while such difficulties are an inevitable part of working overseas, they can be managed effectively through awareness, resilience, and access to supportive resources.
The seminar featured an engaging presentation by Ms. Beyza Çoban, a psychologist from the Çan Psychological Counselling Center. Ms. Çoban shared effective strategies for managing stress, fostering meaningful community connections, and building personal resilience. Her talk sparked lively discussions among participants and inspired attendees to approach their challenges with positivity and strength.
The event drew around 60 in-person participants, 95% of whom were women, and was warmly embraced by the Filipino community. The livestream on the Embassy’s Facebook page further expanded its reach, attracting an impressive 1,200 viewers.
The Philippine Embassy remains committed to promoting the well-being of Filipinos in its jurisdiction through programs that foster growth, resilience, and empowerment. Initiatives like this seminar reflect its dedication to helping Filipinos thrive in their journeys abroad. END
Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. Ambassador Bensurto highlights the importance of mental health and self-care for OFWs
GAD and ATN Officer Helena Tan gives an introduction of the program
Ambassador Henry Bensurto, Jr. presents a Certificate of Appreciation and a box of mango chocolate to the guest speaker, Ms. Beyza Çoban
Ambassador Henry Bensurto, Jr. presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Esra Yesil, Manager of the Çan Psychological Counselling Center, who facilitated the holding of the seminar
Filipino workers and migrants connecting through meaningful discussions
Ambassador and Mme. Henry S. Bensurto, Jr.; Minister and Consul-General Juan E. Dayang, Jr. and partners from the Çan Psychological Counselling Center
For more information, visit https://www.ankarape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinTurkey/, https://twitter.com/PHinTurkey or https://www.instagram.com/phinturkey/.