In line with the National Health Week 2021, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, took part in the celebration, through the initiatives of the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCF).
This year’s week-long celebration, with the theme, ”Mental Health Care for all. Let’s Make it a Reality,” commenced with the different indoor-activities at the Home For Girls Compound, Bonbon, Butuan City. The celebration ran from October 18-21, 2021 and was celebrated by the different programs and services of the agency.
As of the moment, there are 23 girls inside the center who enthusiastically participated in the simultaneous activities such as Movie time, Let’s get artsy, Psychoeducation on Mental Health Awareness amidst Pandemic, and Laro ng Lahi.
These activities were conducted to highlight the importance of taking care of one’s Mental Health. Thus, encouraging everyone to learn to spot red flags of Mental Illnesses that possess negative impact to one’s well-being.
In recognition of the resident’s active participation in the said celebration, different set of awards were given during the culminating program.
Meanwhile, the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) located at P-9, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, also joined the celebration by holding sessions on topics that focuses on breaking the stigma on Mental Health (7 facts about Depression, and How to Nurture Ones Mental Health) last October 15, 2021.
Aside from these, various contests and booths were also organized like Spoken-poetry, Slogan-making contests, Laughter therapy and Relaxation booth, among others.
These were attended by both residents and staff from RRCY and no visitors were allowed during the conduct of the said event.
These activities were conducted to address the widespread problems on Mental Health issues and for the children’s involvement in mental health services especially that Covid-19 has also affected them in many ways.
This year’s participation of DSWD through the initiative of the CRCF is an institutionalized activity of both centers.
The said celebration is in accordance to Proclamation No. 452 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos, declaring the Second week of October of every year as National Mental Health Week.#
