The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao Region (DSWD-10) is advocating for an expanded approach in disaster response by officially including “psychological first aid” in its protocols.
During a training session here on Monday, DSWD-10 Asst. Dir. Glofelia Uayan emphasized the importance of delivering sensitive and timely psychosocial support to disaster-affected individuals and communities.
“As responders, we are trained to provide food, shelter, and safety, but we must also be prepared to respond to invisible wounds—the psychological and emotional trauma people carry in the wake of disaster,” Uayan said.
The training was conducted as part of Disaster Resilience Month observance this July and involved members of the DSWD-10 Quick Response Team.
Senior nurse Ma. Dolores Mercado from the Department of Health-10 also guided the training, focusing on the Disaster Risk Reduction Management cluster approach, mental health during emergencies, and practical methods for delivering psychological first aid.
The activity is a component of the agency’s continuous efforts to improve its Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services, ensuring that disaster response remains effective and compassionate. (PNA)