Kahayag ag Pagea-um: Strenghtening Mental Health Support

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

KALIBO, Aklan- Mental health is not only a personal concern but a community responsibility. Recognizing this, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kalibo continues to strengthen its commitment to mental health and psychosocial support through the Kahayag ag Pagea-um (Light and Hope) Program.

From September 8 to 10, 2026, the LGU Kalibo conducted the Training of Instructors on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Crisis and Response Teams at Vanyard Hotel. The training brought together participants from the LGU Kalibo, Department of Education–Aklan, national government agencies, and youth organizations.

Spearheaded by the Population and Gender Development Office (PGDO) and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the three-day training focused on building the capacity of community responders to recognize, respond to, and properly manage mental health concerns, particularly during times of crisis.

The sessions, led by resource speaker Dr. Leo Deux Fils M. Dela Cruz, emphasized that mental health support goes beyond responding to a crisis. It involves listening without judgment, knowing when and where to refer a person for appropriate help, and creating a community where people feel safe enough to ask for support. Spiritual enrichment was also integrated into the discussions, recognizing the importance of hope, meaning, and compassion in the healing process.

A significant part of the training was the development of an action plan for the Kahayag ag Pagea-um Program, particularly on how to Prevent, Refer, and Manage cases. This provides responders with a clearer and more coordinated approach when faced with individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress or mental health crises.

The timing of the training was especially meaningful as it coincided with September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, reminding everyone of a simple but powerful truth: one life matters.

The initiative reflects the leadership of Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro in making mental health and community well-being part of the local government’s priorities. It also demonstrates what can happen when government offices, schools, national agencies, and youth organizations work together toward a common purpose.

Early intervention, compassionate support, and proper referral can help prevent a moment of crisis from becoming a tragedy. Every trained responder becomes another person who can recognize a warning sign, offer a listening ear, connect someone to help, and perhaps give hope when it is needed most.

Kahayag ag Pagea-um is more than a program. It is a commitment to remind every person that they are not alone, that help is available, and that their life matters.