UnionBank’s Resiliency Summit Empowers Employees to Thrive Amidst Adversity
By: Martina Lucero
With a commitment to employee well-being and community resilience, UnionBank successfully hosted a two-day Resiliency Summit centered around the theme “Withstand Adversity, Build Resiliency“.
Organized by the Security Management Group, the summit commenced on July 17 at the ground floor of UnionBank Plaza and concluded on July 20 at the UnionBank Square. The event also supports the government’s National Disaster Resilience Month.
The summit served as a platform to raise awareness about resiliency initiatives, equipping attendees with the tools needed to navigate through crises and adversities confidently.
The first session at UBP Plaza opened with an insightful keynote address by Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal, a former chief resident psychiatrist at UP-PGH and the Board Secretary of the Philippine Psychiatry Association for 2023-2024. With immense expertise in mental health, Dr. Perez-Rifareal guided participants on identifying signs and symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health concerns. Her engaging presentation also shed light on the importance of mental resiliency during times of crisis or disasters, offering practical coping mechanisms to empower individuals to navigate challenges with grace and strength.
During the second session in UB Square, Ms. Rinnah Keziah Ramirez, RPm talked about Psychological First Aid (PFA). She provided valuable guidance on offering initial support and comfort to those in distress, creating a compassionate and empathetic environment for healing and resilience. “During crises, normally people are feeling overwhelmed, scared, and anxious – and that’s okay. That’s part of the human experience. Our emotions are something that need to be accepted”, she emphasized.
As a reminder that community resiliency is a shared endeavor, commitment boards were also available during the two sessions, engaging employees to make personal pledges on how they will contribute to making UnionBank a disaster-free institution.
UnionBank’s Resiliency Summit has set the stage for continued initiatives aimed at fostering mental well-being. By organizing events like this, UnionBank reaffirms its dedication to creating a positive impact that extends beyond the workplace, uplifting the lives of its employees and the broader community.
