Cha Hernandez pushes grassroots mental health support through frontline worker training

CALAMBA CITY — Strengthening mental health services at the community level took center stage in a two-day seminar-workshop led by the Office of Calamba City Representative Cha Hernandez, in collaboration with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), Inc. and PEACE SIS.

The activity gathered frontline workers, including barangay health workers (BHWs), from Calamba City, Biñan City, and Parañaque City to enhance their capacity to recognize mental health concerns, provide initial support, and facilitate referrals to appropriate services.

The first day of the training focused on personal mental well-being, foundational mental health knowledge, the recognition of warning signs associated with common mental health conditions, and responses to psychiatric emergencies.

Participants then shifted to practical community-based approaches on the second day, covering basic psychosocial support, the development and improvement of mental health referral systems, the identification of available referral pathways, and the formulation of community action plans.

The workshop emphasized the role of trained community workers as an initial point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills can help improve early recognition of concerns and ensure that those requiring further assistance are directed to appropriate professionals.

It also highlighted the need for clear referral procedures and stronger coordination among community-based workers and mental health service providers to make support more accessible to residents.

The seminar-workshop forms part of Hernandez’s mental health advocacy under the “I Am Loved” campaign, launched in September to promote awareness and encourage people to seek help for mental health concerns.

Through the initiative, Hernandez’s office continues to emphasize the importance of building communities that approach mental health with understanding, compassion, and freedom from stigma.

By strengthening the capabilities of frontline workers, the program seeks to establish a more responsive community support system where mental health concerns can be recognized early and individuals can be guided toward the appropriate care they need.