CITY TO ESTABLISH BEAVIORAL HEALTH UNITS
After a 35-minute argument, Cebu City Council approves an ordinance for the establishment of a barangay behavioral health unit in all 80 villages to eradicate the stigma of mental diseases, instill awareness
Cebu City will establish a barangay behavioral health unit (BBHU) in each of the 80 barangays in the city. Nine out of 17 members of the City Council voted in favor of the ordinance filed by Councilors Mary Ann delos Santos and Margarita Osmeña. The move aims to remove the stigma from having mental diseases and to increase public awareness on mental health. The BBHU will be composed of a psychiatrist, psychologist, a medical doctor, nurse, barangay health workers, and volunteers to promote behavioral health. The ordinance also provides counseling room in the barangays’ health centers or halls.
To provide communities with a more holistic approach to health, Cebu City Hall will be establishing a barangay behavioral health unit(BBHU) in each of the 80 barangays in the city.
Nine out of 17 members of the City Council present during last week’s regular session voted in favor of the ordinance filed by Councilors Mary Ann delos Santos and Margarita Osmeña, which aims to eradicate the stigma of mental diseases, and to increase the awareness of residents on its importance.
The BBHU will be composed of a psychiatrist, psychologist, a medical doctor, nurse, barangay health workers, and volunteers to promote behavioral health.
The legislation also provides for the setting up of a counseling room and a calming room within the barangay, preferably within the premises of the barangay health center or barangay hall.
This, however, does not mean the creation of a new office in the villages since the unit will only serve as augmentation to the barangay health centers and will be focusing on mental health.
But prior to its approval, the administration and the opposition argued on the ordinance.
The councilors of the Barug Team Rama bloc suggested that before the program is introduced to the barangays, it would be better to have it incorporated with the City Health Department (CHD) instead.
Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. said this may create the same stereotype in the city with that of Mandaluyong City, where the country’s largest mental facility is located.
Councilor James Anthony Cuenco shared the sentiment, saying his apprehension stemmed from the fear that Cebu City will become the subject of mockery with the possible proliferation of mentally ill people.
Delos Santos, however, maintained that the BBHU involves the initial step of knowing and teaching the residents about the facts, issues and concerns regarding behavioral health.
“Listening to the arguments, the problem is misconception. Mental health is different from disorder. The creation of the ordinance complements the function of the barangay health center,” she said.
After a 35-minute heated discussion, the majority bloc voted for the approval of the ordinance.
Those who voted in favor were Councilors delos Santos, Osmeña, Joy Augustus Young, Sisinio Andales, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Alvin Arcilla, Jerry Guardo, Dave Tumulak and Nendell Hanz Abella.
Those who voted against, on the other hand, were Councilors Alcover, Cuenco, Joel Garganera, Raymond Garcia, Eduardo Rama Jr., Jose Daluz III and Philip Zafra.
Councilor Joy Pesquera registered her abstention, saying she supports the need to address mental health but it should be tasked to the CHD.