ILOILO CITY — To enhance mental health awareness and support at the grassroots level, Councilor Rudolph Ganzon proposed the establishment of mental health desks in every barangay aimed at shifting mental health promotion from hospitals to communities.
Ganzon explained that bringing mental health initiatives to the barangay level would enable the collection of crucial data from residents, providing a foundation for targeted programs and services across the city.
“This approach will allow us to offer timely assistance and mental health services to residents in need,” he said.
“Barangay officials and community members are best equipped to understand the situations of their constituents, so having a nearby point of contact for support is essential,” added the councilor.
Ganzon’s ordinance passed its first reading with plans underway to hold a dialogue with experts, academic representatives, advocacy groups, and other sectors. This dialogue will help determine who will staff the mental health desks in each barangay.
