By Arlene Dela Rea
March 14, 2025 – Regional Science School, Olongapo City – The Schools Division Office of Olongapo, in collaboration with the Schools Governance and Operations Division’s SMN Unit, successfully conducted a seminar on March 14, 2025, titled “Enhancing Wellness and Balancing Work and Life of Teachers.” Held at the Regional Science High School, the seminar brought together 100 participants, including 16 high school principals and teachers, to explore key strategies aimed at improving teacher wellness and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
The primary objectives of the seminar were to improve teacher wellness; promote work-life balance; foster a culture of well-being and balance in the workplace; build a culture that values health, flexibility, and productivity; and evaluate and refine intervention plans to ensure they address the evolving needs of teachers.
The event was formally opened by Dr. Gemma F. Flores, Principal of the Regional Science High School, who welcomed the participants and set the tone for the day’s discussions. Dr. Flores highlighted the significance of the seminar in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by educators. The opening session was followed by a message of inspiration from the Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac. Known for her dynamic leadership, Dr. Macaspac emphasized the importance of self-care for educators, acknowledging the demanding nature of teaching while encouraging the participants to prioritize their well-being.
This seminar was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the SDO’s sustained partner, the ICTSI Foundation, which has long been a supporter of educational initiatives. Program Heads Michael Vincent Llorente and Dr. Patricia Licup from ICTSI Foundation were essential in bringing the event to life. Dr. Licup also took the opportunity to give a special message, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to continuously supporting teachers by helping enhance their well-being.
Alongside the ICTSI Foundation, the seminar also received strong support from its counterpart, the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), represented by CSR Coordinator Olga Lledo. Ms. Lledo addressed the participants with a message of assurance, expressing the company’s ongoing dedication to extending help to the Department of Education and its initiatives aimed at improving the work environment for educators.
The seminar was structured into two key sessions. The morning session focused on Work-Life Balance with Stress Management by Ma’am Marsha Mojica, where participants learned effective techniques for managing stress and establishing boundaries between their professional responsibilities and personal lives. In the afternoon, the topic of Harmony at Work and Life: Energizing Teams while Combating Burnout by Dr. Norberto Casabal was addressed, with strategies provided to help participants combat burnout and foster team spirit within their schools.
Following the sessions, an open forum was held, allowing participants to express their emotions and share personal experiences. The emotional intensity of the forum was evident, as many teachers openly discussed their struggles with stress and burnout. Some participants were moved to tears, highlighting the profound impact that the seminar had in giving them a space to release their burdens.
“The overwhelming response during the workshop sessions underscored the importance of offering teachers a space to release their emotions and reflect on their well-being,” said one of the participants. “It was clear that this seminar served not only as an opportunity for professional development but also as a much-needed emotional release for many teachers who have long carried the burden of stress and exhaustion in silence.”
The workshop and activities created a supportive environment for teachers to open about their challenges, allowing them to bond over shared experiences. The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to continue supporting one another and striving for a healthier, more balanced professional life.
“The overwhelming response during the workshops and activities underscored the vital need for teachers to have opportunities for emotional release and reflection,” said one of the facilitators. “This seminar provided more than just professional development—it gave teachers the chance to acknowledge and process their emotional challenges.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to support teachers’ well-being and foster a culture of balance within schools. Dr. Macaspac’s closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued efforts to care for educators, ensuring that they have the tools and resources needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
This seminar is part of the ongoing collaboration between the SDO of Olongapo and its partners, including the ICTSI Foundation and SBITC, to provide sustained support to educators and create a healthier, more productive environment for teaching and learning.
