CDO to bolster mental health program

The Cagayan de Oro City Council is hoping to partner with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) to strengthen the mental health program of the city.

Endorsed by the city council committee on health and sanitation, the memorandum of understanding (MOA) is still at the committee on laws and rules. Based on the MOA, PMHA shall provide training and seminars on mental health to the health workers of the city barangay.

The program aims for the health workers to be capable of identifying early signs and symptoms of mental disorders, as well as how to deal with this kind of concern.

According to City Mayor Oscar Moreno, one of his administration’s goals is to establish a mental hospital in the city.

Systems lacking

Currently, Cagayan de Oro lacks the facility to treat its mentally challenged patients. Hence, they refer these patients to Davao City where they can receive proper treatment.

Two years ago, a MOA was signed between the city government and the Southern Philippines Medical Center of Davao City allowing the transport of mentally challenged persons from Cagayan de Oro to Davao for treatment.

This is good news as mental health continues to gain traction in the Philippines, getting more and more media attention after President Duterte signed the Mental Health Law or Republic Act 11036 last June.

via SunStar Cagayan de Oro / PJ Orias