Recognizing the importance of mental health, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) in Bontoc, Mountain Province, held a two-day seminar for its employees on June 10-11, 2024.
The initiative aligns with the Republic Act (RA) 11036, also known as the “Mental Health Act”, which the state reassures that Filipinos have the basic rights to mental health as well as the fundamental rights of people who require mental health services.
According to Rolando Bragado, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), this program is being implemented because of a gap in how people understand mental health. This lack of understanding can negatively impact employees’ work performance and well-being.
“Makatulong daytoy a programa tapnu maadalan ken mapalagipan dagiti empleyado ti saan a nasayaat nga epekto nu maliwayan ti mental health tayu (The program aims to provide learnings and direct every employee on the negative impacts of negligence towards mental health),” Bragado said.
He added that through this program, the learning purpose of the program will be understood and further enhanced and contribute to better performance, problem management, and healthy living.
Focus on Well-being
Eleonor B. Batang, a Psychologist III and resource speaker, emphasized the seminar’s focus on overall well-being.
“Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It is a state of well-being where individuals can do well. This includes recognizing and utilizing their own strengths, dealing [with] everyday challenges effectively, contributing helpfully to their communities, and feeling productive in their work. It is the foundation for a good life,” she explained
Learning to support each other
The importance of the seminar was echoed by the participants. Henry Dayawen, an employee, shared, “The training about mental health helps me so I can better offer support and advice to stressed co-workers, including farmers who may be facing challenges.”
Shemar Masweng, another participant, expressed that the program offered a helpful technique for managing your thoughts. “One thing I found particularly helpful was learning how to deal with overwhelming thoughts. They taught us to draw out what’s on our minds, and it really helped lessen the stress I felt.”