Group vs mental health formed

CEBU, Philippines — A multi-sectoral group has ben formed to help combat the mental health issues in Central Visayas.

Local mental health advocates in Cebu convened and formed the “Wellbeing Cluster,” which is believed to be the country’s first collaboration platform that brings together civil society organizations, faith-based movements, private sector, academe, government agencies, and local government units, among others.

It will be launched tomorrow.

The group seeks to promote and to mainstream psychosocial and mental health in consonance with the landmark Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Act, which was signed into law on June 21.

The law establishes a national mental health policy to allow an integrated approach and delivery of services, as well as promote and protect the rights of persons with mental health issues.

Aldwin Joseph Empaces, regional coordinator of Central Visayas Network of NGOs, one of the cluster members, said the idea of setting up a local cluster was borne out of last year’s meetings here.

He said the group, for now, is banking on popularizing the local cluster.

Once successful, he said, the group would encourage mental health advocates from other regions to replicate it to help people suffering from depression and prevent suicide.

Chris Estallo from Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), one of the cluster members, said the main priority of the cluster is to address the need from the humanitarian sector by providing interventions or aid to responders or any humanitarian workers.

Although the cluster has yet to map out concrete programs, Estallo said, it is planning to push institutions and firms to formulate their own policies or guidelines on psychosocial interventions for employees.

He also said the local cluster has yet to define or identify its specific steps or actions in achieving its goals and vision.

Aside from RAFI and CENVISNET, the University of San Carlos is also among the members of the local cluster. (FREEMAN)