On October 10, 2024, Baganihan Hall in New Lucena became a hub of dialogue, awareness, and hope as the local government unit (LGU) hosted a workshop on mainstreaming mental health in the public sphere. The event, attended by 47 participants including civil society organizations (CSOs), youth leaders, LGU functionaries, and barangay officials, revolved around discussing mental health policies and practices, with Mr. Don Sasu serving as the resource person.

The session delved into Republic Act 11063, also known as the Mental Health Law, highlighting its objectives of providing integrated mental health services and ensuring the protection of the rights of service users. One of the more memorable moments of the event was when Mr. Sasu firmly stated, “Mental health should be valued just as much as physical health—there is no shame in seeking help.” This simple yet powerful sentiment underscored a key theme of the day: breaking down the stigma around mental health.

Yet, it was heartening to see the province of Iloilo take concrete steps toward making these commitments a reality through Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-266 and Executive Orders that created Task Force PAG-ASA (Provincial Agencies in Action to Prevent Suicide Among the People of All Ages). The mental health program, PRIME (Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion), was also discussed, showcasing a provincial-level response aimed at protecting the psychological welfare of Ilonggos.

These programs are essential for addressing existing mental health issues and fostering resilience in communities. For instance, participants from both the LGU and barangay levels formed their respective mental health task forces, tasked with creating action plans and identifying at-risk individuals. This is how sustainability begins—by equipping communities with the tools to take charge of their mental health challenges.

Impressions and Sustainability

The discussions and workshops sparked a range of responses. Gwen, the SK Federation President, commented, “This is a big help, not just for the youth but for adults as well, opening minds to mental health issues.” Her remarks captured the event’s potential to shift long-held beliefs. Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Jose Sumbong’s takeaway was more about action: “If I hadn’t attended, I wouldn’t have known about the PAG-ASA task force. We must monitor our youth.” Such reflections show the growing awareness that mental health care is not just a personal concern but a community responsibility.

Moving Forward

New Lucena and the province of Iloilo have made commendable strides in mainstreaming mental health, but there is much more to be done. For one, there is a need to break the cycle of stigma that surrounds mental health issues. As Mr. Sasu aptly pointed out, “Stigma should be replaced with concern—when someone has a mental health problem, they shouldn’t be labeled as ‘crazy’ but instead, helped.” This shift in mindset is crucial for ensuring that people feel safe seeking help.

Furthermore, sustainability lies in consistent support systems—be it in the barangay, school, or workplace. The formation of mental health task forces, the integration of mental health services into basic health care, and the advocacy campaigns in barangays are positive steps, but these efforts need continuous funding, policy support, and community engagement to thrive.

In the end, mental health mainstreaming isn’t just about awareness—it’s about creating resilient, compassionate, and proactive communities. If there’s one takeaway from this event, it’s that mental health should be treated as a shared responsibility. By working together, we can ensure that mental health services are not only available but also accessible, destigmatized, and ultimately sustainable for all.