Province to promote mental health advocacy
The provincial government of Palawan will undertake a mental health community-based program to promote and advance mental health among residents. Its establishment was the result of a memorandum of agreement that Governor Jose Alvarez signed on April 30 with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA). A Memorandum of Agreement was signed recently between the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) and the provincial government. The agreement sought to address the need increase local awareness for the prevention of mental disorder. “Base sa pagaaral mas malaki ang posibilidad na hindi maging mental disorder kapag naagapan agad. Kaya gusto natin na itaas ang kaalaman ng mamamayan hanggang sa malalayong barangay patungkol sa kahalagahan ng kalusugang pangkaisipan. Ito Kasi ang nakikita natin natin kakulangan sa mga tao,” Carolina Uno-Rayco, PMHA Education and Information Service Officer told Palawan News on Thursday. She said that environmental situation is a big factor that causes a mental problem in which all ages and genders are all vulnerable. Rayco also said that people should know how to deal with problems and stress. Also, the acceptance of himself and family is more important. “It can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex and status. May disorders na lumalabas kapag adolescence period of childhood, depende sa kung ano ang nararanasan ng isang tao. Kaya nga ang advocacy namin ay dapat lahat ay marunong magmanage ng problema kasi doon nagsisimula,” she said. Based on the agreement, PMHA agrees to conduct community mental health programs and provide psychiatric services on an out-patient basis to the constituents. Prov inc ia l government through Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) also agrees to tap services of PMHA to provide preventive measures such as training for doctors, social workers, health workers, and daycare workers. BHW’s should be properly trained and prepared to accommodate vulnerable individuals. On May 28, the provincial government will hold a mobile psychiatric consultation in Aborlan and training for the Barangay Health Worker (BHW) will be followed in the town of San Vicente.