In a proactive move to combat the increasing number of mental health cases, Apayao province is training 29 health workers to serve as peer facilitators. Governor Elias Bulut Jr. announced on November 27, 2024, that this initiative is a key component of the provincial government’s strategy, developed in collaboration with the Department of Health, to create safe environments where individuals can seek help and prevent self-harm.
The training, which spanned three days, equips these facilitators to offer support and early intervention for mental health issues, particularly targeting students. The program aims to provide accessible mental health services to the residents of Apayao, addressing early signs of suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns.
The urgency of this program is underscored by the province’s troubling statistics: Apayao reported 17 suicide-related deaths in the first half of 2024, following 21 such incidents in the entire year of 2023. In response, the Provincial Health Office (PHO), together with the Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO), has emphasized the critical role of peer support groups in fostering resilience and providing a platform for youth to share their experiences and receive guidance.
The newly trained facilitators, drawn from both the PHO and municipal health offices, will form part of peer support groups across various municipalities, ensuring that help is readily available to those in need.