Oro to hold first-ever barangay mental health focal persons training

In a pioneering effort to strengthen community mental health services, Cagayan de Oro City will host its first-ever orientation and training for designated Barangay Mental Health Focal Persons on November 26, 2025.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Office of Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez, social services committee chair, and the City Social Welfare and Development.

The training will provide orientation on the roles and responsibilities of mental health focal persons, raise awareness on mental health issues, and equip barangay officials psychological first aid skills in the barangay level.

It can be recalled that during the 10th regular session of the 21st City Council, Councilor Rodriguez authored a resolution, urging all barangays in the city to designate at least two psychosocial focal persons.

The measure, Rodriguez believes, will respond to the alarming rise in suicide-related cases through community-based mental health interventions. (JDO/SP)