Parent leaders of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Tubod, Lanao del Norte has launched a mental health module in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) with the help of the regional Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In an interview Thursday, Oliver Inodeo, DSWD-10 focal person for 4Ps, said the local government of Tubod has been supportive of the development of the program where mental health awareness has been integrated.
“The module (for mental health) was created during the start of the (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic (in 2020). Before, the module on mental health was discussed in various alternative platforms (radio, Facebook live, among others) during the eFDS (Electronic Family Development Session),” he said.
Inodeo said the mental health awareness seminar on Wednesday for 48 parent leaders was an initiative of the Tubod Municipal Action Team.
“The team made a proposal and the local government allocated the budget (for the program),” he said.
On Wednesday, a daylong activity for 4Ps’ parent leaders raised awareness on the importance of getting out of the considerable degree of fear, stress, and loneliness brought about by the pandemic and other situations which is psycho-emotionally harmful to one’s development.
Walida Azis, the mental health and psycho-social support field officer of the Philippine Red Cross based in Iligan City, emphasized the importance of encouraging adults, care providers, and other groups like the 4Ps parent leaders to talk openly about their feelings to get help from among their peers.
Azis said each household members play a major role in preventing mental health conditions such as depression, loneliness, alcohol and drug use, and suicidal behavior, adding that the people with such underlying health conditions shall be open to their friends or family where they belong.
Source: Philippines News Agency