The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod has approved a resolution urging city offices, national agencies, and all 61 barangays to strengthen and expand community-based mental health programs across the city.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, the resolution seeks to prioritize mental health awareness, early identification, psychosocial support, counseling referrals, crisis intervention, and training for frontline health workers.
Distrito, in a press release on Wenesda, Oct. 21, emphasized that mental health must be given equal importance to physical health, noting that many individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress suffer in silence due to social stigma, financial constraints, and limited access to professional help.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. We should not wait until a person reaches a crisis before extending help,” Distrito said. “Our goal is to bring mental health awareness, support, and referral services closer to our people, especially at the barangay level.”
The resolution calls on the City Health Office (CHO), City Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the Department of Health (DOH) to assess current mental health services and intensify grassroots awareness campaigns.
Particular focus will be given to vulnerable groups, including children, students, out-of-school youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), victims of violence, disaster survivors, and low-income families, Distrito said.
To ensure effective grassroots implementation, the SP advocates for training Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs), social workers, and other frontline personnel in basic psychological first aid, warning sign recognition, and referral protocols.
“Our barangay health workers are often the first people residents approach for help,” Distrito said.
“Equipping them with proper knowledge allows us to intervene early. They don’t need to be psychiatrists or psychologists, but they can serve as a vital bridge between our communities and qualified professionals,” he added.
All 61 Punong Barangays are encouraged to designate focal persons or utilize existing health personnel to coordinate mental health services locally.
Distrito highlighted the need for strategic partnerships with local hospitals, universities, and mental health advocacy groups to expand access to care. He emphasized that all interventions must uphold the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of individuals, adhering strictly to Republic Act No. 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Act) and the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
To turn the resolution into concrete action, the SP requested the CHO and partner agencies to submit a comprehensive assessment and proposed Community-Based Mental Health Services Action Plan within 60 days.
The report will outline existing services, personnel and facility gaps, training needs, funding requirements, and implementation timelines.*
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