The Negros Occidental provincial government launched a Mental Health Program and Psychological Counseling Service at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City, today, March 1, attended by Capitol employees from the different departments and offices of the provincial government.
Provincial Human Resource Management Office head Anabelle Palic, who led the activity, said it will open the Capitol workplaces to a mentally healthy human resource who work together for the interest of each other and the Negrenses as a whole.
Psychologist and PHRMO employee, Mark Ortibano, gave an orientation about the Mental Health Program, while PHRMO Guidance Counselor, Cherry Pie Bravo, discussed about Essential Skills for Focal Persons.
A workshop and an open forum were part of the activity, and the participants were also given a pre-tests and post- tests.
Negros Occidental Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded the PHRMO for initiating the activity and said that it is perceptive and well-timed.
“It is high time that we acknowledge the need, eradicate the taboo, and ensure the access and delivery of mental health services to all,” he said.
He also said that Filipinos are naturally happy people and have the ability to always see the brighter side of things, however, such traits also made the Filipino moderate and less demanding with regard to mental health concerns.
The governor further said that the enactment of Mental Health Law on June 2018 is a good development given the recent mental health related incidents in the country that was aggravated by the pandemic.
Executive Assistant to the Governor and GAD Focal Point System Action Officer, Marie June Castro, also gave an update of the current development in Gender and Developmen program, as part of the activity.*