UA&P Associate Professor Dr. Veronica Ramirez highlighted the need for accessible mental health services and culturally sensitive support for Filipino migrant workers in her talk at the National Brain & Mental Health Research Symposium organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) last April 11. The symposium carried the theme "Paglilinaw sa Alingawngaw: Breaking Stigmas in Mental Health through Research and Development."

Dr. Ramirez presented her study, titled "Safe ka ba, Sis? Filipina Migrant Workers and their Mental Health," which surveyed over 800 women at different stages of their employment cycle. The research found that anxiety and depression are prevalent among OFWs, with a significant number exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in certain countries.

The keynote message in the symposium was delivered by Atty. Maria Leonor "Leni" G. Robredo, the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, and Chairman & President of Angat Pinas Inc. The other speakers were Dr. Lourdes Bernadette Tanchanco, Director of the Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation, and Ms. Teresita Panganiban, President and CEO of FriendlyCare Foundation, Inc. 

Dr. Veronica E. Ramirez