The Siquijor Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation (SKPF) and the Provincial Mental Health Task Force (PMHTF) conducted the three-day Mental Health Peer Facilitators Training with 85 participants representing their respective municipalities. 

With the theme “Move for Mental Health and Resiliency: Let’s Invest Towards the Holistic Well-Being of Every Siquijodnon Amidst Pandemic,” the training was held on June 17-19 at the Enrique Villanueva Function Hall with the opening program attended by Vice Gov. Mei Ling Quezon-Brown and Board Member Leanardo Lingcay.

First part of the discussion was on Psychological First Aid Introduction and other related activities facilitated by resource persons from Department of Education (DepEd). 

Module 1 on Validating and Normalizing Feelings and Reactions was handled by Ciarra Gwynn Jimenez, while Modules 2 and 3 on Calming Down and Managing One’s Emotions and Thoughts and PFA: Identifying and Addressing Needs were discussed by Shani Melody Jumalon, and Module 4 on Identifying Source of Strength were tackled by Julita Gretel Catacutan, also of DepEd-Siquijor.

The training aimed to encourage the youth in the province to enhance their knowledge about the significance of mental health awareness given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livelihood of Siquijodnons and the youth.

It also aimed to raise awareness among the young people and develop their personal characteristics on how to control their mixed emotions, at the same time comfort other persons. 

“Personally, I learned more from this training. When you learn something, it develops yourself to be a better person. Change yourself first before changing or advising another person,” said James Anthony Baybay of the Larena Youth Care Organization as one of the participants of the training.

Siquijor provincial government officials pledged to support and collaborate with the local communities in the municipalities to promote transparency and strengthen mass participation in identifying issues and potential programs for their respective communities.

The training was facilitated by SKPF President Brylle Deeiah Tumarong in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Governor and DepEd Siquijor. (PR/James Anthony Baybay, LYCO)