New Lucena’s LGU officials, staff, and CSOs gathered for the PRIME (Program for the Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion) orientation led by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office—and everyone walked out with not just notes, but clearer minds and stronger hearts for mental health assistance.

Resource persons Mr. Harold and Mr. Don Sasu delivered the kind of orientation that makes you say, “Amo gali na ang proseso!” They unpacked how to identify service users, how to guide them through support pathways, and why every barangay and LGU must establish its own Mental Health Task Force. In short: indi pwede nga “bahala na”—mental health needs structure, system, and sincere care.

One reassuring insight?

If medicines aren’t available in the RHU, the province can provide medical financial assistance. Even better, MSWD Head Ms. Celna Ramos confirmed that PRIME already has an allocated budget in New Lucena.

Iya pa gid—may pondo, may plano, kag may direksyon.

Recognizing the importance of coordination, participants agreed to conduct a Municipal-Level Action Planning. This will spell out the essentials:
– Who responds first?
– Who assists the patient?
– Are facilities ready?
– And where exactly should people go?

At last, these technical concerns have a clear pathway—hindi na puno sang “Ti sin-o bala dapat anay?” Moments like these are the beginning of real progress.

Mr. Harold emphasized one non-negotiable: readiness.
“The Municipal Level must be totally prepared—and accurate data of all service users is the first step.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Don Sasu gave a gentle but powerful reminder:
Mental health is not just the work of health agencies. PRIME succeeds only when the whole community cooperates.

And that’s the heart of it all.

A mentally healthy community is not built by one agency—but by all of us, choosing empathy, awareness, and action.

This orientation wasn’t just another meeting on the calendar. It was a commitment. A promise. A direction for a healthier, more resilient New Lucena.

One strong start for a stronger New Lucena—mindful, unified, and ready.