MANILA – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) conducted a webinar as part of its development advocacy dubbed “No Health Without Mental Health: Advancing Mental Health Promotion in Workplaces” on 16 November 2023 live via Zoom and its official Facebook page.

Subject matter experts graced the webinar, namely Dr. Felix F. Labanda, Jr. of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Bureau of Working Conditions, and Dr. Reynold M. Sta Ana of the Occupational Safety and Health Center. Lara P. Fameronag of the ILS Employees’ Association also represented the Institute during the discussion.  

Dr. Labanda discussed mental health policies in formal workplaces, focusing on DOLE policies, guidelines, and issuances. He underscored the importance of promoting mental health in the workplace by raising awareness, correcting stigma and discrimination, identifying and providing support to individuals, and facilitating access to essential services. Dr. Sta Ana talked about the psychological factors affecting one’s mental health, including work-related stress and psychosocial hazards. He also gave participants a walkthrough on various models relating stress to work, corrective measures to prevent workplace-related stress, and coping with stressful situations. OSHC also highlighted related studies, training, and other services available relating to mental health promotion.  

Ms. Fameronag shed light on destigmatizing mental health at work. She mentioned how institutions can promote and advance advocacy through implementing and supporting employee engagement programs and services, which include education and awareness, workplace initiatives, and outreach programs.  

The webinar aims to foster greater awareness and understanding of workplace mental health. It highlights the policies and programs following Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act and its implementing rules and regulations, including Department Order No. 208, Series of 2020, and Labor Advisory No. 19, Series of 2023.  

The webinar was successfully conducted with over 200 participants from the DOLE attached agencies, bureaus and regions, national government agencies, the academe, the private sector, and development partners through public viewing via the Zoom platform and ILS Facebook page.  

To view the recorded webinar, visit the ILS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ilsdoleofficial.  

###