A year of nurturing minds and souls

By: Maria Solita Guzman

In the fast-paced world we live in today, stress, uncertainty, and pressure bombard us daily, causing us to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, eventually reaching our breaking point.

For a long time, mental health was a taboo topic and was rarely addressed openly and appropriately. The pandemic served as a wake-up call, proving that mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity.

As we strive for a balanced life, it is equally important to focus on our emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being aside from our physical health. Having a strong sense of purpose or a deep spiritual connection can provide comfort and stability in challenging times. Spiritual well-being reminds us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Recognizing this, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kalibo introduced a unique initiative that intertwines mental health support with spiritual nourishment.

What started as Thank God It’s Wednesday (TGIW)—a project launched by Glad Tidings New Life Kalibo Church on May 10, 2023—has been adopted as Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF). Officially launched on February 2, 2024, TGIF is part of the LGU’s Health and Wellness Program under the Office for Human Resource Management.

It provides employees a safe space to talk, be heard, and even receive prayers from invited spiritual leaders. Held on the first Friday of every month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Second Floor Conference Hall of the Old Municipal Building, TGIF welcomes everyone—permanent employees, job order personnel, contract of service workers, and interns.

Participation is voluntary, but its impact has been profound for the attendees. Many who have joined share that the program has brought them a sense of relief, knowing that their thoughts and emotions are valued and validated. The inspiration behind TGIF traces back to Bishop Roberto M. Labor, whose passion for missionary outreach sparked the movement’s guiding principle:

One life matters. His daughter, Pastor Myrl Labor-Radones, carried this vision forward through TGIW. At its core, the initiative is about more than just conversation but saving and transforming lives, one person at a time. For the participants of the LGU Kalibo, TGIF is not just a couple of hours of reflection; it is a life-changing experience. It is a sanctuary for those who may be struggling—whether at work or in their personal lives—while also helping to break the stigma around mental health.

More than anything, it reminds them that seeking help is okay, talking about challenges is imperative, and they are never alone. Programs like TGIF remind us that workplaces are not just about efficiency and output. They are, above all else, about people. And when people feel supported—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—they do not just survive.

thrive. Through initiatives like this, the LGU Kalibo is paving the way for a more compassionate and resilient community—one where mind, body, and spirit are nurtured together. As TGIF marked its first anniversary on February 7, 2025, its impact became even more evident.

Over the past year, the program has touched countless lives, offering hope, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose to those who need it most. It continues to change lives for the better, proving that when people come together in support and faith, true healing happens.