Pursuant to Article VIII (Employees Welfare and Professional Development) of the valid and existing 2020 Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) by and between the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Employees Association (MGBEA) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), MGBEA held a webinar entitled “Mental Health Awareness: The World in Time of Covid-19” on October 1, 2021. The activity was a whole-day event attended by employees from MGB Central and Regional offices.
Engr. Roland A. de Jesus, MGB Assistant Director, delivered the Inspirational Message which considers the webinar as very relatable, since COVID-19 has deeply affected our daily routine, and altered most of our social and working environments. The “new normal” protocols, such as social distancing, mandatory lockdowns, and isolation periods, which have been set in place to curb the spread of the virus, have also led to the deterioration of our physical, psychological and mental health, due to the limitations on our physical activities, anxiety in getting sick, loss of income and fear of the future. Furthermore, he reiterated that the emergence of different Covid-19 variants posed a continuing threat especially in our homes and workplace which can play a crucial role on moderating or worsening our psychological and mental health. Engr. de Jesus assured the employees that MGB will continually implement the organizational and work-related interventions to address pandemic-related health issues in our office. These include the improvement of workplace structures, adoption of correct and shared anti-contagion measures (such as COVID testing, vaccination, disinfection of the workplace, etc.), steady personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, and implementation of resilience training programs.
Dr. Jeremiah Simeon A. Trinidad III, occupational and preventive medical practitioner and mental health counselor, served as the Resource Speaker for the event. His presentation entitled “COVID-19: Updates and Management” was divided into four parts, namely, a) What is COVID-19? b) How to avoid bringing the virus to our home/workplace? c) How to quarantine/self-quarantine? and d) How to get through the pandemic? He discussed the common symptoms and different strains of the COVID-19 virus and provided medical advice for home care of COVID-19 patients. He stated that the “new normal” can be considered as a great challenge to discover one’s potentials and encouraged everyone to view it as an opportunity for innovations and growth. He also requested the attendees especially those who are still employed to value their jobs instead of thinking about how mentally or physically draining they are. It is just a matter of time management and proper mind-setting to avoid being burnt out.
Lastly, Dr. Maybellyn A. Zepeda, MGBEA National, and Central Office Chapter President presented updates on the upcoming activities of the MGBEA-CO for the last quarter of 2021 which include: 1) Seminar in the Role of Mining and Geosciences in Everyday Living; 2) Livelihood Training on How to Start and Manage a Business with Financial Literacy; and 3) Basic Occupational Safety and Health in Time of Pandemic. Engr. de Jesus commended the employees association in spearheading the timely and relevant activity. With the webinar, he hoped that everyone will gain a better understanding of the psychological and mental conditions of employees and the proper response to address these issues.
By: Mines and Geosciences Bureau Employees Association - Central Office
MGB Assistant Director Roland A. de Jesus delivers the
Inspirational Message during the webinar.
Dr. Trinidad discusses Covid-19 topics ranging from its symptoms, strains,
vaccination, medical remedies and home care strategies.