Manila: The provincial government of Pangasinan will form a council and implement community-based programs to address concerns on mental health. "It's (mental health concerns) a global issue actually, but we have to start somewhere. And we have to start as much as possible in the early stages so it will not worsen," said Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino in an interview on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will pass an ordinance to address the mental health concerns in the province, especially among the youth. A proposal is to form a technical working group that would involve the education sector, security, social welfare offices, and other responsible stakeholders to address the concerns and to tackle the ordinance.

"There will be a committee hearing on Friday to pass a framework for managing and addressing the concerns of mental health and the mental state of our province," Lambino stated. Meanwhile, the provincial government of Pangasinan actively promotes sports through provincial competitions to instill discipline and an overall healthy lifestyle among youth.

"So definitely, sports is one avenue for our youth to have other activities that would develop their character, physical development, teamwork, and discipline; that's where they develop all these," said Lambino. He emphasized that sports would also help manage the mental health concerns of young people.

Lambino highlighted the importance of encouraging sports, given the current shift to online entertainment from physical activities, especially among the youth. Earlier this year, the provincial government initiated an intertown basketball tournament and the Tour de Pangasinan cycling competition. An intertown volleyball tournament (men and women categories) also started on Sunday.

The volleyball tournament is participated in by 2,000 players from 45 out of the 48 local government units in the province. Participating teams will also have the chance to win a PHP100,000 to PHP1 million cash prize.

"Because of technology, hindi na tayo lumalabas, hindi na tayo naglalaro, wala na tayong physical activities na nangyayari, puro screen, computer, puro gadgets. But now, we are doing things differently in Pangasinan. Gagawin nating active sa sports ang mga kabataan (we no longer go outside, we don't play anymore, we don't have physical activities, it's more on screen, computer and gadgets. But now, we are doing things differently in Pangasinan. We will make youth active in sports," said Governor Ramon Guico III during the opening ceremony.

He mentioned that engaging in sports is a holistic approach to reducing criminality and drug use among youths.