Behind every smile lies a story, and for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), those stories often remain untold. But during the Mental Health Forum held on August 1, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, voices long kept silent finally found space to be heard.
Spearheaded by the Philippine Cultural Arts and Design Ensemble KSA, the event aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the OFW community. Founder and CEO Bai Princess Ampatuan Ansari led the initiative with a strong message: mental well-being matters, and no one should suffer in silence.
The forum featured five speakers who courageously opened up about personal battles, professional insights, and the need to foster understanding in Filipino communities abroad.
Mr. Michael Ian Alcantara, crowned Mr. Philippine Youth FilCom KSA 2025, kicked off the event by introducing his advocacy, “Healing Minds Through Arts.” Through his story, he underscored how creative expression became a lifeline during his darkest moments.
Health professional Erwin G. Bolante, MAN, RN, CHRMO, CHQO, then brought clarity to the topic with a talk titled “Understanding Mental Health and Its Significance in Our Daily Lives.” His presentation translated medical concepts into everyday terms, empowering attendees with knowledge to identify and care for their mental well-being.
Joining from Dubai, motivational speaker and OFW Chris Daymon shared his emotional journey with anxiety and depression. His raw testimony offered a beacon of hope for many silently navigating the same storm. “Behind every strong OFW is a story of silent battles,” Daymon emphasized, calling for courage and compassion.
Adding a younger voice to the conversation, psychology student Maeisson Ansari delivered “Bawal Mapagod: The Mental Health Stigma Beyond Filipino Resilience,” challenging the cultural expectation for Filipinos to simply endure hardship. Her message encouraged OFWs to acknowledge their exhaustion and seek help without shame.
Rounding out the program was Engr. Ernesto Jayme Jr., who tackled “Battle Against Depression and Anxiety: How Do I Help Myself and My Kabayan?” His deeply personal experience and practical tips resonated with attendees, urging them to not only heal themselves but also support others in the community.
The event concluded with an open testimonial-sharing session, where participants bravely shared their own struggles and triumphs. The forum highlighted the critical need for open dialogue, community support, and continued advocacy on mental health among OFWs.
Organizers expressed heartfelt thanks to all speakers and participants, hopeful that the event would spark long-lasting conversations and connections. “This is only the beginning,” one participant said, “but it’s a step closer to healing.”
