Carmona City’s expanded mental health program to include schools

CARMONA CITY (PIA) – The City Government of Carmona will soon expand its mental health support programs to schools as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the well-being of its citizens.

In an exclusive interview with the Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON, Mayor Dahlia Loyola revealed the city’s plans to train teachers and administrators, equipping them with the necessary tools to offer basic mental health support to schoolchildren.

“Our goal is to conduct training not only at the school level but also for each grade, year level, and section,” Loyola explained. “Equally important is ensuring that mental health information reaches and engages parents, as their involvement is crucial in making a meaningful impact.”

Loyola further emphasized their plan to expand the city’s mental health programs, including enhancing capacity training for school staff.

“We plan to train at least two to three [teachers] per grade or year level and section in every school in our city,” Loyola stated.

To strengthen these efforts, the city government has increased its budget allocation for the health sector to enhance better access to psychological services for residents.

Loyola cited their healthworkers who helped push their mental health programs to the barangays. (PB/PIA4A)
Loyola cited their healthworkers who helped push their mental health programs to the barangays. (PB/PIA4A)

In addition, Carmona City has passed a localized version of the Philippine Mental Health Act, which helped establish the city’s Mental Health Task Force.

This initiative has made significant accomplishments since the creation of the task force, supporting 213 individuals diagnosed with depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorder through regular free consultations with the city government’s psychiatrist and access to free medicine.

These efforts have earned Carmona recognition as one of the honorees in the CALABARZON region during the 3rd Regional Mental Health Summit Awards by the Department of Health (DOH). This award acknowledges local government units for their exemplary implementation of the Philippine Mental Health Act.

Carmona City is also moving forward with the construction of a specialized barangay health center dedicated to mental health consultations, offering greater accessibility to residents.

Loyola added: “We currently have two regular psychologists, but we are planning to add more specialists who will provide counseling services to our citizens.”

By strengthening its initiatives, Loyola shared that the city government aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage more residents to seek the help they need. (PB/PIA 4A)

photo courtesy of City Government of Carmona/Facebook
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