TABUK CITY, Kalinga – In an effort to combat the prevailing stigmas surrounding mental health issues and normalize an environment of openness and support, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Kalinga Chapter, in collaboration with the Provincial Health Office, conducted its pioneering Mental Health Summit on Friday, June 4.
Drawing attention to the alarming prevalence of mental health challenges in the Philippines during the pandemic aftermath, the summit aimed to educate professionals on various aspects of mental health, stress management, and strategies to combat the prejudice associated with mental illness, with the goal of preventing suicides and preserving lives.
The summit featured insightful lectures by esteemed psychology expert PCAPT. Jeric C. Manalili, who emphasized that mental illness is not selective regardless of socio-demographic-economic circumstances and should never be perceived as a ‘choice’. He advocated abandoning the belief that seeking psychiatric help equates to being “crazy” and instead encouraging mindfulness in actions and words, especially when dealing with individuals who may be mentally vulnerable.
As per the data from the World Health Organization (WHO), mental illness is the Philippines third most common disability, with an estimated 6 million Filipinos living with depression and/or anxiety, making the country rank third in the Western Pacific Region in terms of mental health issues. In addition, suicide rates, potentially underreported, stand at 3.2 per 100,000 population.
In Kalinga alone, there were 194 recorded cases of mental health conditions this year, compared with 294 cases reported last year, primarily comprising depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other related conditions. This figure, disclosed by Provincial Health Officer Eduardo Tandingan, highlights the urgent necessity to enhance the province’s mental health information system to encourage reporting and provide assistance to those who are currently suffering.
In response, Atty. Jocelyn Runes-Bulwayan of IBP affirmed and explained that the summit plays a crucial role in normalizing discussions about mental health issues. It delves into essential topics, sheds light on how mental health significantly influences our daily lives, and emphasizes the importance of fostering a compassionate and inclusive society.
During the summit, psychologist PCAPT Manalili and PMAJ Florence Roales conducted workshops and lectures that addressed vital topics, including effective strategies for dealing with mental distress, the importance of early intervention and seeking professional help, as well as the significance of fostering social, spiritual and community support.
The summit drew participants from diverse sectors, including legal professionals, personnel from Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippines National Police, Kalinga State University, city government, and other agencies.
With the summit’s success, which commences the transformative journey for Kalinga’s approach to mental health, Atty. Gertrude Gammonac, IBP-Kalinga president said IBP is considering expanding its efforts to launch other forms of information and education campaigns on mental health tailored to various demographics in the province. By Ruth Cupang
