The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, headed by Agusan del Sur Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team Leader Michael Andohuyan, facilitated a Psychological First Aid (PFA) to the residents of the municipality of San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

The conduct was in response to San Luis Municipal Mayor Hon. Ronaldo Y. Corvera’s request to help two hundred one (201) children, eleven (11) teachers, and seven barangay officials in Barangay Maritula recover from the unfavorable situation and the trauma during the encounter between the Government Forces and lawless elements last September 12, 2023.

Following life-altering events, it is typical to experience emotional impacts. Emotional suffering may not manifest as visibly as a physical injury, yet it can be equally unbearable and incapacitating.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a well-founded approach rooted in human resilience. It aims to alleviate stress symptoms and support a positive recovery after traumatic incidents, natural disasters, public health emergencies, or personal crises.

The PFAiders team comprised of 20 proficient social workers from the Field Office and 4Ps Field Staff. Moreover, nurses from the Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Sur, a medical doctor, and staff from the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Agusan del Sur joined the activity, and was co-facilitated by the non-government organization Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD) who ensured the security and accessibility in the area.

DSWD, the primary government agency mandated to develop, implement, and coordinate social protection, ensures its utmost efforts in aiding the needs of the recovering community.