MALAY, Aklan – A volunteer group urged the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay, Aklan to pass an ordinance promoting mental health.
Lifeline Malay-Boracay is pushing for a municipal ordinance that supports the development of coping strategies and mechanisms, strengthen mental health awareness and integrate the private sector in the local government’s comprehensive mental health program.
It wants the ordinance to adopt Project E.M.B.R.A.C.E. ( Educate Mental Health and Become Resilient and Alert Through Community Enablement) with focus programs and services, and unified response on mental health problems and concerns.
A proposed ordinance was introduced by SB member Dalidig Sumndad mandating the local government of Malay to establish, in partnership with the private sector, a 24/7 hotline to receive calls from individuals with bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts.
“This mental health program, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), aims to address common problems of mental health in Malay, specifically in Boracay Island,” Dalidig said.
Other agencies being enlisted to help address this concern are the Malay Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Education Malay District, Malay Municipal Health Office, Malay Population and Gender Office, and Malay Municipal Planning and Development Office.
Their collaboration is seen to deliver appropriate and comprehensive services and interventions for mental health protection, treatment and care.
According to Lifeline Malay-Boracay coordinator Rona Liza Inocencio, their group provides guidance and counseling to individuals who attempted to commit suicide and/or undergoing depression due to loss of loved ones and jobs, and loneliness after months of uncertainty and distress.
On March 13, 2021, Lifeline Malay-Boracay and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Kalibo, Kiwanis Club of Golden Salakot Aklan, Kiwanis Club of Kalibo Legend and Kiwanis Club of Adding New Committed Partners, Aklan for a stress management program in Boracay Island./PN
