BOKOD, Benguet– The Bokod local government launched “SEMEK “project as a way of reinforcing the relationships in the family and in keeping with the mental and emotional health of the youth.
SEMEK stands for Supporting and Empowering the Mental and Emotional Knowledge of the Youth through Family Love. In Ibaloi, semek means love.
The project involves the conduct of psychological first aid or counseling, and conduct of Family Day as bonding moments of the family members, among others. It’s latest endeavor is the “YBokod Love Challenge,” a short video production of the youth and parents portraying love and affection.
SEMEK started in Daclan National High School in 2018. Through the initiative of a faculty member, Jobelle Anselmo-Batanes, the project generated support from various sectors including the Bokod Sulpuhur Springs Multi-Purpose Cooperative as part of its social responsibility.
The Bokod LGU through Mayor Thomas Wales Jr. supported the endeavor. With the COVID pandemic where the youth are confronted with more challenges, reportedly due to lockdowns, which impact on their mental and emotional well-being, the LGU came up with the idea of rolling out the project across barangays.
During the launching, experts delivered a series of lectures on parenting, importance of family love, foundations of love and filling one’s love tank, development of a good attitude, and proper nutrition, among others. Some youth who were able to get through the challenges in life also shared their testimonies.
Part of the activity was the recognition and awarding of cash prizes to winners of the “YBokod Love Challenge,” This is in partnership with the General Parents and Teachers Association of Bokod School District and the Philippine National Police.
The Department of Education –CAR hopes to adopt the concept in all schools in the Cordillera region as it is a timely undertaking especially during the COVID pandemic where mobility is controlled and face to face classes are suspended, which in a way, affect the mental health of the students. **JDP/SCA-PIA CAR
