Tag:

mental health

SPMC-IBPM hotline available for mental health assistance

by Nova Mae Francas July 2, 2026

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE NEWLY launched Southern Philippines Medical Center-Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (SPMC-IPBM) crisis hotline started receiving calls over mental health concerns on Wednesday, July 10.

According to the Department of Health XI, the hotline aims to provide urgent professional mental health services.

“Layunin ng hotline na magbigay ng agarang pakikinig, gabay, at kaukulang referral sa mga indibidwal na dumaranas ng emosyonal at mental na suliranin,” DOH XI said in a statement.

The patients may reach the following numbers:

Telephone No.: 227-1513
Smart: 0947-388-5431
Globe: 0945-292-2333

The line is open from Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

“Mahalagang mabigyan ng sapat na atensyon ang kalusugang pangkaisipan dahil may malaking epekto ito sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay, relasyon sa pamilya, pag-aaral, at trabaho,” the agency added.

The agency reminded the public not to be ashamed of asking for help, as it is a form of self-care.

To note, SPMC-IPBM has reported 64 suicide attempts in Mindanao in 2025, with most patients belonging to the 19-40 age range.

July 2, 2026 0 comments

Health

Not just stressed: Filipinos are carrying the weight of everything at once

by Contributor June 15, 2026

written by Contributor

AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance, releases its latest edition of the Mind Health Report^{^[1]}, a global study carried out in partnership with IPSOS, one of the world’s leading market research companies. The 2026 report highlights the continuous deterioration of people’s psychological state, the rise in the use of artificial intelligence to consult about their mental health, and the responsibility of companies to support individuals.

Global pattern, local intensity

Mental health worldwide continues to deteriorate: in 10 of the 16 countries in the study, mental health scores are at their lowest since the first survey wave in 2021. 46% of those surveyed say they are struggling or languishing^[2]. These results confirm a structural trend, driven by an accumulation of stress factors that are durably undermining psychological well-being.

The Philippines shows slight improvement in those classified as struggling, but a more persistent concern remains: that about 31% of Filipinos are still in a languishing state, amid persistent concerns around financial instability and rising social unrest.

Progress exists, but it is fragile and overshadowed by pressures that remain deeply embedded in everyday life. Among younger Filipinos, this weight is increasingly personal. While digital life remains constant and immersive, 72% of Filipino youth report feelings of loneliness or sadness.

For many, being online is less a choice than a condition of modern life. It is where conversations unfold, where news breaks, and where identity is continuously shaped. But it is also where pressure accumulates without pause.

Filipino youth now spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on screens, and 98% say this negatively affects their daily lives. The impact is not abstract. It shows up in disrupted sleep, fractured attention, and emotional overstimulation that lingers even after the screen is turned off.

Beyond fatigue, many also reported elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and poor well-being, leading to more frequent sick leaves. This suggests that emotional strain is no longer confined to digital spaces but is increasingly affecting performance in school and at work, as well as day-to-day functioning.

A double-edged development

In response, coping has become more adaptive and increasingly digital. As emotional pressures mount, more Filipinos are turning to AI-enabled tools for emotional guidance and everyday support. Regular AI usage for mental health management stands at 29% among Filipinos (higher than the global average of 21%), predominantly among 18–34-year-olds. This regular engagement with AI is also notably higher among individuals who self-report a mental health condition.

However, this reliance comes with risks: about a third (33%) reported having felt uneasy or concerned after receiving AI guidance. Worryingly, 25% reported that AI recommendations have led them to harmful behavior.

Another glaring discrepancy between the Philippines and the rest of the world is that the cost of mental health services remains the primary barrier to mental health support, unlike global trends, where lack of awareness is more common. This widening gap between awareness and access reflects a clear reality that while many Filipinos recognize their mental health needs and are open to seeking support, taking action is still largely constrained by affordability and ease of access.

It is within this gap that more practical forms of support become especially relevant, helping individuals take small but meaningful steps toward better mental wellbeing within the realities of daily life. This is why AXA Philippines continues to expand access to mind health solutions designed for ever-evolving needs, including the Mind Health Self-Check tool, which helps individuals assess and monitor their mental wellbeing. It also offers health plans that include free mental health consultations, making professional support more accessible to customers, and coverage for select mental health conditions. These approaches reflect a broader shift toward integrating mental wellbeing into everyday health protection, with the aim of encouraging earlier action and supporting longer-term resilience.

For Ayman Kandil, President and CEO of AXA Philippines, the findings reveal a deeper shift in how Filipinos experience emotional pressure. “This year’s findings show that stress is no longer showing up as one challenge at a time. Filipinos are carrying multiple pressures at once and still trying to keep up with school, work, and daily life. When emotional strain starts affecting how people function every day, support cannot wait for burnout or crisis. We need to make it easier for people to seek help early and nurture communities where mental well-being is treated as a shared responsibility,” said Kandil.

In the end, this year’s AXA Mind Health Report underscores a simple but uncomfortable reality that Filipinos are not just stressed; they are managing multiple, overlapping pressures with limited space to recover in between. This reality calls for more accessible support, healthier coping environments, and stronger collective attention to mental wellbeing.

As the one name to cover all your insurance needs, AXA provides complete protection from life to non-life. For more information about AXA Philippines’ commitment to holistic well-being for all, visit here.

June 15, 2026 0 comments

News

89IB, Dangcagan LGU empowers youth vs insurgency recruitment

by Rhoda Grace Saron May 15, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

SEVENTY young leaders from across the municipality of Dangcagan have completed a rigorous three-day summit designed to sharpen their leadership skills and fortify them against the recruitment tactics of insurgent groups.

The 2nd Municipal-Wide Youth Leadership Summit (MYLS) 2026, held from May 8 to 10 at Sto. Niño High School, was a joint effort between the 89th Infantry Battalion, the local government unit, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation.

A focal point of the summit was the education of the youth on national security threats.

1Lt. Marjon F. Prollamante, commander of the 89IB’s Bravo Company, conducted a critical lecture on the Seven Stages of Youth Recruitment used by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

By educating participants on the “Culture of Security” and AFP recruitment, the military aimed to instill a sense of vigilance and patriotism.

“The youth are our partners in peacebuilding,” said Lt. Col. Antonio G. Bulao I, commanding officer of the 89IB. “I encourage you to use your discipline to become instruments of positive change.”

Under the leadership of SK Federation president Hon. Julius Irvin A. Igtos, participants learned about mental health from Dr. Neil Angelo S. Cabudoy (MHO), legal rights from Atty. Isha Corbeta, public safety from fire and police officers. Meanwhile, social welfare officer Dave Kryss P. Lano tackled Youth Rights and the Anti-Bastos Law (RA 11313).

The summit also integrated spiritual growth with a “Religious Night” facilitated by Rev. Fr. Arnold Ranque of Sto. Niño Parish, alongside team-building exercises and a tree-growing activity.

Mayor Mark Vincent B. Dandasan and Vice Mayor Servile M. Cabunoc graced the opening ceremony, highlighting the local government’s commitment to the Municipal Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) initiatives.

The opening ceremony was graced by Mayor Mark Vincent B. Dandasan and Vice Mayor Servile M. Cabunoc, highlighting the local government’s commitment to the Municipal Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) initiatives.

The event concluded with a workshop on future planning, where youth participants produced development outputs for their respective communities.

May 15, 2026 0 comments

News

City ensures athletes’ preparation, welfare ahead of Palarong Pambansa

by Contributor April 18, 2026

written by Contributor

BY CLIFFORD JAMES L. DANDUAN

‎LOCAL officials and athletes are closely monitoring the training and overall condition of Davaoeño athletes ahead of the 66th Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, from May 24 to 31.

‎During the iSpeak media conference on Thursday, April 16, Mikey Aportadera, head of the City Sports Development Office, said part of the monitoring is the inspection of the billeting quarters prepared by the Department of Education (DepEd).

‎”We make sure that everybody is actually prepared for it. So that’s why we monitor the quartering of the Department of Education,” he stated.

‎Davao bets have been undergoing in-house training since last month under DepEd’s guidance, marking their preparation for the annual national sports event.

‎Furthermore, athletes also undergo mental health checks as they will be competing away from their families for more than a week.

April 18, 2026 0 comments

Opinion

Silent burnout: the unseen challenges teachers face every day

by Contributor January 9, 2026

written by Contributor

AS A teacher from a family of educators—generations who have poured their hearts into shaping young minds—I see the recent tragic incident of a dedicated veteran teacher, Ma’am Agnes Buenaflor, who collapsed during a scheduled classroom observation, received first aid, was rushed to the hospital, and unfortunately passed away at age 58.

This educator exemplified the quiet dedication that defines so many in the teaching profession—pouring endless hours into shaping young minds while navigating the demands of the job. Tragically, she passed away amid the very system intended to foster professional growth, highlighting the often-overlooked toll that such environments can take. That said, it’s important to recognize that causes of such outcomes aren’t always singular. Stress may play a role, but other factors—like pre-existing medical conditions—can contribute significantly. I can relate to that from my own personal experience, where health challenges have reminded me that life’s vulnerabilities extend beyond workplace pressures alone.

Thirty years ago, I found my mother, Perpetua —a college professor—crying alone in the bathroom, likely after a harsh evaluation or criticism, despite how hard she worked. She always went the extra mile, making handmade visuals, detailed lesson plans, grading papers, creating tests, and organizing activities. Teaching was our family’s only income, so she juggled being a mom and a provider. Even when illness struck, she kept going, fainting in class but getting back up to teach. In the end, the constant stress and exhaustion took their toll, and she passed away from cancer at just 50 years old.

Teachers in the Philippines are the backbone of our nation’s future, yet they often carry burdens that go far beyond lesson planning and grading. The Results-Based Performance Management Systems, with its emphasis on classroom observations under the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST), aims to promote quality and accountability. However, teachers’ groups like the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and Alliance of Concerned Teachers have long highlighted how these “high-stakes” evaluations—requiring extensive preparation, rehearsals, and paperwork—add layers of stress, especially after breaks or amid heavy workloads. What should be supportive often feels punitive, diverting energy from authentic teaching to performative compliance.

Having taught in the United States as an international educator, I can say that the teacher evaluation process shares many similarities. It is undeniably high-stakes: poor evaluations can result in the termination of your contract and a forced return to your country. Although evaluations are designed to be objective and based on clear criteria, they often generate significant stress and anxiety. Many teachers feel as though their entire career—or even their life depends on the outcome. Fear and anxiety build intensely before, during, and after classroom observations.

Nevertheless, this pressure is an inherent part of the process. Such rigorous evaluations serve an important purpose: they help maintain teaching quality and ensure alignment with the school’s standards and mandates.

However, as educators, we must remember that while these challenges are inevitable, we are not powerless against them. By prioritizing our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being—through self-care, support networks, and mindful preparation—we can face these battles with resilience and continue serving our students without sacrificing our own health.

———————————————————————————————————–

Cai Polancos is a dedicated special education teacher and adjunct professor. He loves traveling with his family. As an introvert, he finds joy in quiet, reflective pursuits like reading, gardening, and creative writing. Connect with him on X @cdpolancos!

January 9, 2026 0 comments

Health

PHC launches mindfulness-based wellness program to support employee mental health

by Contributor July 4, 2025

written by Contributor

MAKATI CITY, Philippines — In a bold move to prioritize mental health and emotional resilience in the workplace, PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) has launched the Points-of-You® – Journey to Mindfulness, a pioneering wellness initiative under its PHC Academy, the company’s flagship learning and development platform. The program was officially rolled out on June 27, 2025, at Sol Y Viento Hotels and Resorts, Calamba, Laguna, with employees from various departments participating in the immersive, mindfulness-based experience.

Developed by the Training and Organizational Development Department, the program is part of PHC Academy’s Solicitude Pillar, which focuses on holistic employee well-being. It is anchored on the Gestalt Psychology principle of the “Here and Now,” and is designed to help employees manage stress and anxiety by cultivating present-moment awareness, emotional authenticity, and personal integration.

Eunice Mergenio, administrative assistant of PHC, sharing during the session

“We recognize that the future of work is not just about performance, it’s about people,” said Gladys K. Uy, PHC’s vice president for human resources and administration. “The Journey to Mindfulness program is a reflection of our commitment to creating a workplace where mental health is valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.”

The program unfolds in three modules—Awareness, Authenticity, and Integration—each designed to guide employee participants through a process of self-reflection, emotional processing, and creative exploration using the internationally recognized Points-of-You® methodology. Participants engaged in guided mindfulness activities, shared personal insights, and built authentic connections with peers in a safe and supportive environment.

PHC Launches Mindfulness-Based Wellness Program to Support Employee Mental Health

“This initiative was born out of a deep desire to support our colleagues in navigating the emotional demands of modern work life,” said Neven Rivera, training and OD manager and the program’s proponent. “Through this journey, we’re teaching mindfulness and creating a culture of presence, empathy, and self-awareness.”

The launch of the Journey to Mindfulness program comes at a time when organizations across the globe are rethinking their approach to employee engagement and mental health. PHC’s proactive stance positions it as a forward-thinking employer that understands the value of emotional intelligence and psychological safety in driving long-term success.

“PHC Academy was created to tailor-fit learning experiences to the evolving needs of our people,” Uy added. “This program is just one of many ways we’re investing in our employees’ growth—not just as professionals, but as whole individuals.”

As the program continues to roll out across the organization, PHC hopes to inspire other companies to take similar steps in embedding mindfulness and well-being into the heart of their corporate culture.

July 4, 2025 0 comments