MTRCB, PPA sign MOU on portrayal of mental health issues in films, TV

MANILA, Philippines - Coinciding with the observance of National Mental Health Week this month, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Johnson & Johnson is spearheading an initiative to raise awareness on mental health issues and their portrayal in popular culture.

The National Mental Health Week, as promoted by the Department of Health (DOH), advocates mental health and the protection of rights and freedom of individuals with such mental diseases, as well as the reduction of the burden and consequences that come with mental ill-health and mental and brain disorders and disabilities.

In line with this, Janssen has facilitated the formalization of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) to promote and protect the proper understanding and portrayal of mental health issues in movies and television programs.

The MTRCB chairman, lawyer Eugenio Villareal, and the PPA president, Dr. Japhet Fernandez-de Leon, signed the MOU during the recent PPA Fellowship Night at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

Janssen has also co-produced “Mga Anino ng Kahapon (Shadows of the Past),” the first full-length independent film that aims to drive awareness on and challenge common stereotypes associated with mental conditions, particularly schizophrenia, in the Philippines.

The film is directed by Alvin Yapan and stars Agot Isidro and TJ Trinidad.