Another PPA is the strengthening of referral pathways and accessibility of mental health services thru the establishment of mental health/crisis hotline in all provinces. Capacitation will be conducted through the crisis hotline training this August.

Likewise, the establishment of pool of trainers on Mental Health Gap Action Program (MHGAP) which aims to capacitate the local government units on providing mental health services such as assessment, diagnosis and management to high risks individuals.  Training was already conducted in Mt. Province and Benguet.

There is also a need for a suicide response, Manguda said.  The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) with the assistance of the Mental Health Program’s trained staff on psychosocial interventions will conduct a baseline data gathering in the last quarter of this year. This activity aims to profile cases, determine factors associated with suicide ideation, determine factors that enables students to do self-harm, and recommend control and preventive measures.   

A major PPAs for 2023 launched in July is  the Project RISE “Reaching Individuals for Self-Empowerment through Unified Partnerships” which was  attended by 157 stakeholders.  

The project seeks to promote self-empowerment and mental health awareness through a unified partnership by engaging individuals in various interactive and educational initiatives creating a mental health revolution and empower individuals to take charge of their mental well-being, Manguda said. (JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR)