LA TRIIDAD, Benguet – Through the effort of the Youth Formation section, the Schools Division of Benguet (first party) and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Baguio-Benguet Chapter Incorporation (2nd party) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 1 at the Adivay Hall of the Division office of Benguet .
Representing the first party is the schools division superintendent, Marie Carolyn Verano while retired judge and current chairperson of PMHA Francis Buliyat for the second party. The Chief of School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) Lucio Alawas and PHMA executive manager Christine Gina Camsol served as witnesses as the MOA was signed by both parties.
In the MOA, the first party’s dual responsibility encompasses endorsement of all PMHA-led programs, projects, activities and services and support in the second party’s advocacy through student, professional and agency membership.
Meanwhile, the obligations of the second party include: organization of the Lakas Isipan ng Kabataan (LINK) club activities to public secondary schools, conduct of LINK federation trainings and regular meetings and one free training or activity per year to the LINK Club Advisers.
Incorporated in the LINK club activities that promotes mental health among the learners are: Youth Life Enrichment Program seminar, national mental health week celebration, Kampus Bayani chapter wide search, Christmas party, academic festival and summer camp.
In addition, special and fixed discount on the fee shall be given to learners and employees from the Schools Division of Benguet who need the second party’s clinical and diagnostic services. PMHA shall likewise serve as primary partner in providing psychosocial support to schools and learners in times of disasters or when special cases arise.
The Memorandum of Agreement shall last until September 2020 and shall be subjected to renewal of the terms and conditions as both parties may further agree.
By Ursula M. Dalay-on
