March 18, 2026 – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has expressed full support for the mental health recovery coaching initiative of AnchorED 1M movement and committed an aggressive training program across the city to supplement ongoing mental health activities.
AnchorED 1M is a national movement that aims to train and certify 1,000,000 community-driven mental health coaches and first responders by 2030 or 2031. It is led by the Emotional Reset Center.
The mayor addressed the “Championing a Mentally Resilient Philippines: Isang Milyong Gabay” event held on March 15 at the Baguio Convention Center which gathered mental health advocates, health professionals, educators and government officials to promote stronger community-based support systems for mental wellness.
The event highlighted the importance of recovery coaching as a community approach to help individuals dealing with mental health challenges and addiction. Through the movement, trained recovery coaches will guide individuals in their healing journey by providing peer support, encouragement, and connections to services.
In his speech, the mayor said the initiative is a timely response to the growing mental health concerns in the country and in the city. He cited data from the city’s Health Services Office showing a rise in mental health consultations in recent years, reflecting the continuing impact of stress, anxiety and depression in communities.
To address the problem, the mayor underscored the need for strong partnerships among government agencies, academic institutions, civil society groups, the private sector and the media to expand mental health support systems nationwide.
He said a partnership with AnchorED 1M and its partners will boost the city’s mental health program.
He made several public commitments, including the target of training 500 AnchorED 1M certified mental health coaches in Baguio by 2026 and activating recovery coaching programs in all 16 city districts.
By 2027, the mayor said the city aims to train 100 percent of barangay health workers in Mental Health First Aid and ensure that every public school has access to a school counselor in partnership with the Department of Education.
Magalong also expressed the goal of ensuring that by 2028 there will be no untreated mental health cases in city jails and rehabilitation centers, while working toward certifying Baguio as a safe and mentally resilient city.
The mayor assured organizers and participants that the Baguio City government will fully support the AnchorED 1M movement, recognizing the importance of community-based recovery coaches in helping people navigate mental health struggles.
He also called on citizens to take part in the movement by becoming mental health advocates and coaches in their own communities emphasizing that mental health must be addressed not only through medical care but also through supportive environments in homes, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.
He explained that local governments play a crucial role in advancing mental health programs because they are closest to the people.
According to the mayor, LGUs can help by establishing policies, allocating budgets, training frontline workers, and integrating mental health services into community programs.
However, concerted effort is needed between the public and private sectors.
“Healing a nation begins with healing a city. Healing a city begins with healing a community, and healing a community begins with each of us,” the mayor said. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
