In a bid to address the mental health needs of communities during emergencies, St. Paul University èßäÊÓƵ (SPUP) in collaboration with Humanity and Inclusion èßäÊÓƵ, Relief International, Green Meadow Development Foundation, Inc., èßäÊÓƵ Relief and Development Services, Inc. (PhilRaDs), and TearFund, conducted a training of trainers on Psychological First Aid (PFA) on April 22, 2024 at the Mother Madeleine Hall, Learning Resource Center, with participants from various Local Government Units (LGUs) and representatives from different departments of SPUP.
In his message, Mr. John Mel Sumatra (Humanitarian Program Manager, Humanity and Inclusion èßäÊÓƵ) he highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being as a crucial aspect of disaster response and recovery efforts. Over five sessions, workshops, and notable speakers, the participants gained insights into the LOOK, LISTEN, and LINK principles of PFA, identifying children who need PFA, communicating with distressed parents and caregivers, and self-care for caregivers.
Ms. Grace Aliman (Project Manager, SPUPCDCFI) discussed group work focusing on children’s reactions to crisis situations. Dr. Editha Pagulayan (Program Coordinator, SPUP BS Social Work) discussed the global and national frameworks and emphasized the interplay of the action principles in PFA. Ms. Angel Grace Baga, (Social Worker, PhilRAds) shared tips on identifying children who require PFA, while Dr. Juana Rivera (Director, SPUP Human Resource Management) provided insights on communicating with parents and caregivers in distress. Lastly, Dr. Corazon dela Cruz (Head, SPUP Promotions and Marketing) lectured on self-care and caring for caregivers. All of which were actively participated by the audience.
This PFA training is in line with SPUP’s mission to enhance the quality of life for its members and stakeholders, contributing positively to the global community. The university continues to prioritize the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide psychological support during times of crisis.
