Boracay youth heals from Covid-19 mental health concerns through art

BORACAY Island, Malay Aklan- Several young people start their healing on mental health brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Eric Egualada, an artist from Angono, Rizal and has been in Boracay for several years already said he is thankful with the Department of Tourism (DoT) for the support.

In 2020, the Aklan Provincial Police Office reported that several young people and residents in Boracay and Malay town has committed suicide due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Last year ,as part of my advocacy on art appreciation with the residents I offered them free training. In collaboration with Dannie Solidum we advocated to promote mental health among the young people in the resort island. Crimson Boracay and Solomon Locsin also supported the project,” he said.

Because of this, Solomon Locsin of the DoT-Western Visayas supported us in buying art materials.After ten consecutive sessions we were able to exhibit as part of their culminating activity,” Egualada said.

“This year, we have expanded our reach among Aklanon youth now with the  support of the local government of Malay hoping to be able to come up with a coffee table book. We had already submitted our paintings themed on the indigenous foods that are in Aklan,” Egualada added.

Aside from youth, women in Boracay are also reeling from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Desiree Segovia, of the Boracay Womens Producers cooperative (BWPC) said that they had invited Eufemia Umambong who Guidance Counselor Manocmanoc HighSchool to talk about mental health on their weekly radio program.

The BWPC has a membership of hundredths of women who are residents of Malay including Boracay,.