BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus, is partnering with Paglaum Mental Health Support Group and Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS), Inc. in launching a pioneering community-based mental health campaign. The initiative is addressing one of the country’s most urgent yet often overlooked challenges: the lack of accessible and stigma-free mental health care in grassroots communities, despite the establishment of RA 11036, known as Philippine Mental Health Act.
According to the Department of Health (DoH), 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, or substance-use disorders, yet access to services remains scarce due to the limited number of trained professionals, less than one mental health worker per 100,000 people. In Cebu, the Barangay Behavioral Health Unit in Lahug has reported a surge cases of anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies, as well as a growing volume of hotline calls.
To bridge this gap, BingoPlus Foundation has rolled out a two-part capacity-building training program for community health workers, teachers, and barangay leaders. The training covered three aspects such as foundational knowledge on mental health and psychosocial support, practical skills such psychological first aid, active listening, and referral pathways, and culturally sensitive approaches to encourage early help-seeking while reducing stigma.
Participants reported during the focused group discussion that the training gave them tools they could use immediately in their daily interactions. “As a barangay health worker, I now feel more confident talking to residents about their struggles. Before, I didn’t know what to say. Now I know how to listen and guide them to the right support,” said Analisa Patindol, Barangay health worker from Barangay Tingub.
The Foundation will also launch a barangay-level awareness caravan, designed to reach up to 100 residents per session. These interactive sessions focus on well-being, family dynamics, and breaking stigma, ensuring that conversations about mental health become part of everyday community life.
“Mental health is often overlooked in grassroots communities, yet the need is urgent. By urgent local health workers and educators with the right tools, we are helping communities become more compassionate and resilient. This is how we bring the vision of the Philippine Mental Health Act to life especially making care community-based, accessible, and a basic right for every Filipino.” said Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke, executive director of BingoPlus Foundation.
Cebu and General Santos City were chosen as pilot sites due to their high demand for grassroots mental health interventions, as shown by partner organizations’ case monitoring and dialogue with local health offices. Following these pilots, BingoPlus Foundation plans to expand its training caravans to Metro Manila and other priority regions.
Through these efforts, BingoPlus Foundation is not just raising awareness but building the first line of mental health response where it matters most in families, schools, and barangays.
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