Project URDUHA Launch at DFA – 28 March 2023

Article by MCCC Hernandez, photos by DFA-OPCD, posters by Diplomatic League

Project Urduha launched on 28 March 2023 at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City with a talk on psychological resilience and a physical self defense activity. A joint project of DFA- Office of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs, and the Diplomatic League, the concept was written by Foreign Service Officer MCCC Hernandez, who emceed for the event. Opening Remarks were delivered by Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” Domingo.

In the morning, Amara Counseling and Training Center conducted a talk and activity on Psychological Resilience at the FSI Library Reading Room. The speaker, Archie Dela Cruz, explained a Psychological Approach to Self-Care and Resiliency among abused women, so that the forty (40) DFA personnel present would be better able to assist distressed Filipinas they may encounter in their work.

In the afternoon, Dindo De Jesus of the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) taught Physical Self Defense in the DFA’s Executive Lounge to about fifty (50) participants from various offices and agencies. Sir Dindo demonstrated various techniques so those present would know better what to do should there be an attacker of any sort.

All in all, the activity was a success, a first step on the road to Women Empowerment through Holistic Self Defense in the Philippine Foreign Service.