SP-Koronadal approves city’s Mental Health Policy Ordinance
To mark a major step towards comprehensive mental health care for Koronadaleños, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of the City of Koronadal has unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2, s. 2024, also known as the City of Koronadal Mental Health Policy Ordinance. This local legislation is authored by Councilors Annabelle G. Pingoy, Ma. Ester M. Catorce, Francis Ross S. Dideles, and John Rey P. Rodriguez and co-authored by the rest of the sanggunian members including its presiding officer, Vice Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil.
The ordinance, which presents a comprehensive and integrated approach to the creation of the city’s mental health program and offers comprehensive services including mental health protection, care, and treatment to those who need it most, is a testament to the city’s commitment to address the issues of mental health in the city.
Being one of the principal authors, Councilor Pingoy strongly believes in the necessity of an ordinance to cater to those who are in dire need of help.
“Mental health shall be included in the delivery of basic public health services and other health programs in the city, ensuring that it is readily available and accessible, especially for the poor and vulnerable,” Pingoy said.
Councilor Rodriguez emphasized that mental health is equally important as physical health, and that, according to him, prioritizing mental health can help alleviate physical ailments that are often tied to mental health issues.
“I do believe that mental health is as important as physical health; thus, we have to prioritize mental health as well. Also, I believe that this ordinance is really for those who are experiencing mental health issues leading to physical problems and diseases,” Councilor Rodriguez said.
KORONADAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL HEALTH
To promote policies and programs that address various issues related to mental health as well as foster multi-sectoral collaboration, promote mental well-being, and minimize mental disorders, the Koronadal Council for Mental Health was created.
The council is chaired by Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena and co-chaired by the Department of Education (DepEd)-Koronadal City Schools Division Superintendent or its authorized representative, along with representatives from various departments of the city government, the religious sector, and accredited non-governmental organizations.
The composition of the council was patterned after the Executive Order (EO) creating the City of Koronadal Council for Mental Health issued by the chief executive last year. The EO came after the reported suicide cases among young adolescents in Koronadal, who were coping with depression, reached an alarming stage.
CREATION OF TWG, MENTAL HEALTH DESK, MENTAL HEALTH SECTION, AND BARANGAY HEALTH COMMITTEE
In addition, a Technical Working Group (TWG) will be formed to draft and formulate the city’s Comprehensive Mental Health Plan.
The ordinance also establishes a Mental Health Desk (MHD) and a Mental Health Section (MHS), overseen by the City Social Welfare and Development Office. These bodies will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including facilitating access to appropriate care, providing or coordinating therapy, and implementing community resilience and psychosocial well-being training.
At the grassroots level, the ordinance mandates the barangays to monitor mental health cases, and the Barangay Health Committee (BHC) is delegated to help with the implementation of the City Mental Health Care Plan.
The ordinance incorporates mechanisms for suicide intervention, prevention, and response strategies, including the existing hotline, Korona 911, manned by trained personnel available 24/7.
Meanwhile, as part of the celebration of National Health Month every October, barangays, institutions, establishments, and even schools are invited to participate in the activities organized by the City Health Office and the Mental Health Council.
An annual budget has been made aside for the ordinance’s continuous operation, in addition to the initial budget of P500,000.00 for the implementation of the ordinance.
Councilor Catorce, one of the principal proponents and the Chairperson of the Committee of Education, expressed delight after the approval of the ordinance. According to the lady councilor, the creation of mental health desks, a hotline, and additional positions in the City Health Office were very significant in addressing mental health issues, especially among youth.
“I do believe that the passage of this ordinance is very timely, in fact long overdue, and seeing the contents, such as the creation of mental health desks, a hotline, which is very important, and also the creation of some positions in the City Health Office, this is considered a big help in addressing the problems of our constituents when it comes to mental health,” Catorce said.