Darlene Regis
In observance of the World Mental Health Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Las Damas de Rizal (LDR) Doha Chapter, in collaboration with DM HealthcareQatar, Aster Volunteers, and with support from the Philippine Embassy in Qatar, hosted a successful seminar dedicated to breast cancer and mental health awareness.
Held at the Aster Medical Centre, the seminar welcomed women from across the community, providing education and support on critical health issues that predominantly affect women.
Community Outreach
Lady Dr. Anne Binondo, President of LDR, delivered a warm welcome address. In her speech, she stressed the importance of community engagement in health awareness initiatives and expressed gratitude to the organisation’s partners and attendees.
Dr. Binondo also acknowledged all Founding Officers and Members of the Las Damas de Rizal Doha Chapter, as well as the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Doha Chapter, for their unwavering commitment to community service.
Engr. Roy Baquiran, Deputy Exchequer of the KOR Doha Chapter, delivered a special message, expressing strong support for LDR activities. He highlighted that events like these are crucial not only for women but also for men, within families and society at large. His message reinforced the idea that health awareness is an inclusive endeavour that requires the participation of all community members to effectively address these pressing issues.
Embassy’s Support
The seminar was honoured by the presence of Honourable Monica Remsy Calañgian, Third Secretary & Vice Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Qatar. In her address, she shared how deeply personal these topics are to her and discussed insights into how the embassy actively supports initiatives within the Filipino community to raise awareness about mental health and breast cancer. Her participation underscored the significance of these issues in observance of World Mental Health Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reinforcing a message that resonates not only within the Filipino community but also across broader societal contexts.
Keynote Session
Dr. Rani Susan Abraham from Nexsolve LLC & Eunoia led an enlightening session on mental health awareness titled ‘Managing Work-Life Balance and Preventing Burnout’. In her presentation, she underscored the importance of recognizing mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being. She explored various strategies for maintaining mental health amidst personal and professional challenges, emphasising the necessity of achieving a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout.
Dr. Abraham’s discussion provided practical insights into how individuals can navigate their responsibilities while safeguarding their mental health. Attendees were encouraged to adopt proactive measures such as setting boundaries between work and personal life, engaging in regular self-care practices, and seeking support when needed. The seminar not only raised awareness about breast cancer but also intensified the interconnectedness of physical health and mental wellness.
Panel Discussion
The event also featured a panel discussion with experts from Aster Medical Centre, including Dr. Tisha Rachel Jacob (Psychiatry Specialist), Dr. Lorelyn Dino (ENT Otolaryngologist), and Dr. Hema Rajeev (Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist).
The discussion covered topics ranging from breast cancer to mental health management, with an open Q&A segment allowing attendees to engage directly with the experts. It was moderated by Lady Dr. Noemi Formaran, the Head of the LDR Education Committee.
Dr. Formaran asked insightful questions that highlighted the experiences of breast cancer patients and survivors, emphasizing the importance of mental health. Her moderation skillfully showcased the panelists’ expertise and offered practical approaches to real-life challenges faced by attendees.
Impactful Initiative
Closing remarks were delivered by Lady Dr. Richelle Arugay, Vice President for Internal Affairs at LDR. She underscored LDR’s dedication to ongoing health advocacy, emphasising the importance of community education on breast cancer prevention and mental health care.
The event served as both an educational platform and a supportive avenue for participants to share their experiences and concerns about the vital health issues. It was hosted by Lady Jackielou Cabauatan and Lady Antoniette David.
Attendees were provided with gift packs prepared by Aster Medical Center and refreshments were served during the event.
Through collaborative efforts, LDR, alongside Aster Medical Centre and its community partners, exemplified a proactive approach in raising health awareness, fostering a supportive and well-informed community.
The seminar spotlighted the essential role of initiatives like this in promoting health literacy and preventive care, particularly within the expatriate community in Qatar.
The LDR Doha Chapter remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for women’s health and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions for a healthier future.
