As part of the continuous response on the devastation left by Typhoon Odette, especially on the mental stressors front liners have been dealing with, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) hold a 3-day activity on Caring for the Carers by promoting mental health and well-being for the Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDO) for the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Province of Dinagat Islands at Amontay Beach Resort, Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte on May 18-20, 2022.

Part of the main objectives for the training is to provide a venue for the participants to undergo de-stressing activities. LSWDOs are among the primary responders of LGU’s mobilization for its food, non-food items provision for the typhoon-affected families. They are also working on the provision for shelter and other humanitarian assistance to the affected families. Thus, it is just befitting that they take the time to de-stress and focus on their well-being and take care of themselves.

The training started with a warm message from DSWD Field Office Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Jean Paul Parajes who motivated the participants to set aside their hassles and enjoy the activity.

Training Specialist III and Capability Building Section Head Anafe Lecciones served as resource speaker for the said activity. She stressed the importance and the significance of promoting mental health for the service providers, emphasizing that their effectiveness in caring for the typhoon-affected individuals and families rely on their own well-being.

The Typhoon Odette relief operation is still ongoing, and the LSWDOs are still in the forefront of leading the services in their respective municipalities/cities, thus the need to recharge for them to still be effective in their endeavors.