Ordinance institutionalizing barangay mental well-being corner for further study

IN its meeting last week, the Committee on Health, Nutrition and Health Insurance, chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, endorsed for further study the proposed ordinance institutionalizing the Cagayan de Oro Barangay Mental Health Corner.

This, after Councilor Gaane requested for a copy of the work and financial plan from the City Health Office (CHO) specifically the identified activities in line with the playbook for the mental health program of barangays.

Aside from this, it was also learned that the VAWC personnel of some barangays have been performing as mental health advisers without any additional honorarium.

“Dili pwede na taga VAWC atong i-tap tapos walay benefits. Dili gyud ma priority ang mental health. Tagae mi copy ani kay akong i-present kang Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez (being the principal author of the proposed ordinance) ang activities and funding,” the councilor further pointed out.

Co-authored by Councilor Gaane, the proposed ordinance aims to address the mental well-being crisis proactively, promote early intervention, and build a stronger, more supportive community that values mental well-being as an integral part of overall well-being.

The primary objective of the ordinance is to ensure accessible mental well-being support for individuals within each barangay, bridging the gap between the community and professional well-being services, among others.