
“Para maging maganda ang service na ibinibigay natin, we need to take care of ourselves first.”
This was the core message conveyed by Jennifer Joseph, RPM, resource person for the webinar that the House of Representatives (HRep) conducted on Monday to promote work-life balance among HRep officials and staff.
She emphasized the importance of “refilling and refueling” oneself, highlighting that taking care of both physical and mental health is crucial for building resilience.
“When we know how to take care of ourselves, lahat ng stressors na puwede nating ma-encounter can be managed, because there’s resilience,” she said.
Joseph, a psychometrician at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), also encouraged the House workforce to participate in extracurricular activities initiated by the chamber.
She discussed the consequences of neglecting healthcare, such as the risk of developing mental health disorders and experiencing stress-related physical symptoms.
The webinar also provided practical steps for developing a self-care plan, focusing on the need for balance, self-compassion and engaging in activities that bring happiness and fulfillment, with the end-goal of improving overall productivity.
The webinar was organized by the HRep Legislative Operations Department, headed by Deputy Secretary General Atty. Dave Amorin, as part of the month-long celebration of the 117th anniversary of the institution.