In celebration of International Women's Day and the Philippines' Women's Month, the Philippine Mission to ASEAN held a health and wellness seminar on 18 March 2016.

Dr. Ferdinal Fernando, head of Health and Communicable Diseases Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, giving a seminar on health and wellness

Dr. Ferdinal Fernando, head of Health and Communicable Diseases Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, led the gender and development (GAD) seminar that was attended by personnel of the Philippine Mission, the Philippine Embassy, Filipino staffers at ASEAN Secretariat and some members of Filipino community in Jakarta.

Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso gave the opening remarks, which focused on the importance of maintaining well-being despite prevalent hectic lifestyles. She emphasized the need to keep a healthy body and soul, especially in light of the celebration of the Passion of Christ during the Holy Week. 

Dr. Fernando's seminar expounded on the ways to detect and prevent common non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases, including heart attacks and stroke. He also encouraged participants to veer away from smoking, which is the cause of many respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases; avoid processed foods; and devote at least 15 minutes of physical exercise each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Participants were treated to a merienda cena, consisting mostly of fruits, fresh vegetable lumpia, baked chicken, coconut and lemongrass juice. They were also given ASEAN publications on health, including a book on traditional herbal medicines commonly used in the region. 

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