The still raging pandemic brought about by Covid-19 has pushed the mental health agenda into the forefront. Hence, it came as no surprise when a group of architects in Bacolod City took the advocacy as part of its social responsibility program.
The United Architects of the Philippines – Bacolod Azucar Chapter, led by Rolem Basiya, launched “Project Pahanumdom,” a mental health awareness program that aims to bring the conversation out in the open and encourage the public to take care not only their physical, but also their mental health.
The chapter initially chose 10 barangays in Bacolod where posters on advocacy messages and hotline numbers were installed in strategic areas.
This project, according to Basiya, came about after the chapter’s first membership meeting with speaker Rose Jessica Octaviano who talked on mental health.
Meanwhile, the group also adopted Andres Bonifacio Senior High School as beneficiary for its adopt-a-school project where the architects donated 12 pieces drafting boards to assist students with their drafting activities once in-person classes will be allowed.
Bacolod Azucar is the youngest chapter of UAP Regional District C2 with 36 architects as members.*