BACOLOD City – A free psychosocial support and mental health program were provided to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and fire victims in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
The Victorias City Culture and Ethics Office recently extended psychosocial support to the 224 PDLs of Victorias City Jail. It focused on training the PDLs in “dealing with setbacks,” where they defined their goals and aspirations and were equipped with the necessary inputs for cultivating good relationships.
Meanwhile, psychological first aid (PFA) was extended to the 16 affected families in Barangay V after their houses were hit by fire last Feb. 19.
The PFA aimed at reducing the initial impact of painful experiences, encouraging resilience among the affected residents, and offering practical help, emotional support, and connections to resources.
Mayor Javi Benitez disclosed that nine houses were completely damaged and four were partially damaged in the fire. Houses that were destroyed will be given P10,000 each, while those that were partially damaged will get P5,000 each.
“They’ll all be relocated and given a house on Villa Victorias housing site,” Benitez said.
The program is in line with the city’s initiative to promote mental health awareness and ensure the continued provision of social welfare support programs to all its residents./PN
