The Department of Health (DOH) has recently disclosed that at least 3.6 million Filipinos have experienced mental disorders amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even anticipated that the next pandemic would involve mental health problems as a result of the current public health crisis.

Deviating from the usual professional and academic concerns of lawyers and law students on our podcasts, the seventh episode of the Open Bar brings into the spotlight the need to address our mental and emotional well-being.

As we celebrate Mental and Emotional Wellness Month this October, we have invited medical doctor and clinical psychiatrist Dr. Joyce Ann Maglaque to provide understanding and context on several mental and health issues and to give practical tips in dealing with them. Dr. Maglaque, a recognized expert in the field of psychiatry, is the first non-lawyer guest of the Open Bar.

In a special segment, IBP Biliran Chapter shared its programs and initiatives.

Production & Direction: Atty. Ian Vincent Manticajon Editorial Assistance: Atty. Christopher John Menguito Content Consultant: Atty. King Anthony Perez Cover Art: Vincent Pepito Cover Layout: Resty ArintocIntro and Extro Voice: Krizia LuceroMusic: bensound.com