LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – – Local officials here see the need for students mental health breaks during this COVID-19 pandemic following reported suicide cases in the municipality
The Sangguniang Bayan presided by Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan passed a resolution requesting educational institutions to conduct routine mental health breaks for students, and for the Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to ease mobility restriction for mental health wellness.
Mental health break means time taken off work or school for rest or recuperation.
The officials believe that even if suicide cases are not that rampant yet, this should not be regarded as isolated case. The restricted mobility including the suspension face-to-face classes to ensure the safety and well-being of students amidst the pandemic are seen as contributory to such situation.
The alternative mode of learning employing blended learning adapted both in public and private schools reportedly led to difficulties for some learners
Due to stigma or non-appreciation yet of consulting experts who are into counseling and practitioners that cater to mental health wellness, only a few avail of their services, the officials noted.
With the reported suicide cases, Mayor Romeo Salda issued a public message empathizing with the youth and children on the experiences they are going through during the pandemic encouraging them to share these with parents, friends, teacher, pastor, priest or counselor. He called on all members of the La Trinidad community to be supportive in advancing the cause of mental health of children and youth. **JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet
