(Philippine Army photos)

CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- More than 200 Army gender and development (GAD) officers, personnel and civilian human resource attended a mental health first aid and gender-based violence response training.

The two-day training organized by the Philippine Army Office of the Army Gender and Development was conducted through by through video-teleconferencing and onsite at the Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on September 12, 2022.

Geared at capacitating GAD teams in effectively addressing gender-based violence by providing mental health first aid to victims, the activity is in line with Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr.’s thrust to ensure the physical as well as the mental health and well-being of soldiers, the Army’s most important resource.

Maj. Christine C. De Jesus, Chief of the Army General Hospital’s (AGH) Neuropsychiatry and Mental Health Section, discussed mental health disorders while Ms. Marilyn M. Payumo, AGH psychologist, shared mental health first aid tips. Cpt. Venus A Agnabo, a military psychiatrist, and Ms. Janette Martinez-Hapita, a psychologist, also served as resource persons for the activity.

“To see into the mind of another, we must repeatedly immerse ourselves in the flood of his association and feelings. We must be, ourselves, the instrument that scans him or her,” Army Chief Surgeon Colonel Joel Enrico N. Anastacio said in his remarks, quoting American psychiatrist Dr. John Nemiah. (PA/PIA-NCR)