By PR | 09:06 PM September16, 2024
Employees at provincial government of Bohol on Monday participated in an HIV Awareness and Mental Health seminar held at the Ceremonial Hall in the provincial capitol building.
Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office, emphasized the significance of such seminar in preparing employees to deliver effective services to the people of Bohol.
“There must be a program to capacitate and empower us— this time as regards, health,” Lopez said as he welcomed the participants.
Oscar Francisco Valles, executive assistant and chief of external affairs, joined the event and delivered a message on behalf of Governor Aris Aumentado.
In his message, the governor emphasized using the knowledge gained from the discourse to build a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The first speaker, Dr. Wilnilia Causing, discussed HIV awareness— what HIV is, modes of transmission, principles of its infection, its progression, AIDS, and its preventive measures.
Moreover, Causing reiterated that HIV does not have specific signs and symptoms.
The only way to confirm if someone is HIV positive or not is to get tested, she said, citing the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, HIV Treatment Hub, which offers a free testing service with guaranteed confidentiality.
In addition, Causing shared that Panglao is now recognized as a primary care facility because it is the province’s top tourist attraction. They can conduct testing and other services except endogenous retroviruses.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kit Nemenzo Balane shared his expertise in his field through an informative discussion about the umbrella of mental health as he focused on the usual encounters in the workplace.
This includes the definition of mental health, Philippine data on mental illnesses and how alarming it is, and the stigma.
He also presented the top five mental health issues within the workplace, the impact of mental health issues at work, and the biopsychosocial model of health as well as provided simple tips to be mentally healthy.
The event, organized by the Provincial Human Resource and Management Office was part of the124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration.
Under the Aumentado-Baja administration, this initiative stemmed from the Provincial Strategic Change Agenda, which aims to empower public servants towards providing genuine service. (PIMO/JFP)
