BONTOC, Mountain Province – With the establishment of the Mountain Province State University’s (MPSU) Psyche or Mental Health Center, several facility equipment from the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) that were coursed through the provincial government were turned over to the university to ensure the success of the center’s operation.
MPSU President Edgar G. Cue received the equipment during a simple turnover ceremony held on January 21, 2025, attended by Executive Assistants Rolando B. Bragado and Ernesto Bondad, representing Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., personnel from the Provincial Health Office headed by Provincial Health Officer Annie Claire B. Pekas, Development Management Officer Ursula P. Segundo of the DOH Provincial Office and other university officials.
The successful turnover of equipment was attributed to the collaboration between the DOH-CAR, the provincial government and the MPSU for the implementation of the ‘Project HOPE Healing Opportunities for Peaceful Existence: Illuminating Pathways to Serenity’ of the MPSU Mental Health Center.
In his message, President Cue expressed his gratitude to the DOH-CAR, headed by Regional Director Ferdinand M. Benbenen and to the provincial government, headed by Governor Lacwasan, for the generous contributions and continuous support to the university.
“This is a manifestation of our good partnership in achieving our mission for sustainable development. That reminds us that if every institution or organization comes together with a shared vision, then there is no doubt that we can achieve more of what we can think of.
With this equipment, we will ensure that we make use of it by making positive changes not only to the MPSU family but also far beyond the walls of this institution. This opportunity will continue to motivate and inspire us to make our psychological center a symbol of hope,” Cue said.
Moreover, Pekas and Segundo mentioned that the collaboration is timely to address mental health concerns.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office’s Mental Health Coordinator and Psychologist, Eleonor B. Batnag, relayed the background of the assistance. According to her, the DOH has launched Project RISE UP (Reaching Individuals for Self-Empowerment Through Unified Partnerships) to promote self-empowerment through unified partnerships with various stakeholders, including schools, community, local leaders and vulnerable populations such as the youth. With this, she said that the PHO and the Provincial DOH spearheaded its full implementation last year and the proposal for logistics on the establishment of the MPSU Psyche Center was approved.
She said that with the funding from the DOH to the provincial government, through its PHO and Provincial DOH, the provision of logistic support to the Mental Health Center of the university was realized.
About this, Lacwasan has initiated the creation of the mental health unit of the Provincial Health Office to ensure the delivery of mental health care and support to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of people in need. By Hail, MP