22/12/2025
Agno RHU Strengthens Workforce Resilience Through Stress Management and Therapeutic Communication Training
The Agno Municipal Health Office (MHO) conducted the Stress Management and Therapeutic Communication for Effective Strategic Planning and Program Implementation Review on December 19–20, 2025, at 828 Gems Beach Resort, Tondol, Anda, Pangasinan. The two-day capacity-building activity focused on prioritizing the mental health and emotional well-being of healthcare workers and front-liners, strengthening therapeutic communication skills, and reviewing the implementation of health programs across the municipality.
Prioritizing the mental health of healthcare workers is vital in ensuring efficient and effective mitigation and response to pandemics and other community health challenges. A mentally and emotionally resilient workforce performs better under pressure, makes sound decisions, and sustains quality care delivery. Through this activity, the Municipal Health Office reinforced that promoting stress management not only safeguards the holistic well-being of employees but also equips them with adaptive strategies to handle future stressors with confidence and composure.
The activity featured Dr. Mark Jay Garibay, Medical Officer III of RHU Anda, who led the session on Stress Management, providing practical approaches to coping with workplace pressures and maintaining emotional balance in high-demand health service environments. Complementing this, Mr. Marvin Perez, Nurse of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), discussed Therapeutic and Effective Communication, emphasizing that effective communication is a core competency that fosters empathy, understanding, and collaboration within health teams and between service providers and clients.
Therapeutic communication plays a critical role in managing workplace stress, preventing burnout, and strengthening team cohesion. When healthcare workers communicate effectively and compassionately, they are better able to support one another, resolve conflicts constructively, and deliver services with greater empathy. The synergy between stress management and therapeutic communication builds a culture of mutual support and trust, which directly enhances program implementation and overall service delivery.
The activity was graced by Hon. Mayor John N. Celeste, who shared personal life experiences in dealing with stress. He underscored the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, reminding participants of the power of smiling and laughter, noting that “laughter is the best medicine.”
Hon. Jonathan G. Doromal, Vice Mayor, likewise expressed the strong support of the Sangguniang Bayan for the programs of the Rural Health Unit. He acknowledged that stress is an inevitable part of life but emphasized the importance of resilience, teamwork, and continued commitment to public service.
Also present was Hon. Jefferlyn P. Dela Co**ha, who assured the RHU team of her commitment to work hand in hand with the unit in advancing better health-related legislation to support and strengthen local health programs.
Mrs. Myra Luz N. Ocang, Municipal Accountant, expressed her gratitude for the collaborative partnership with the RHU, particularly in ensuring sound financial procedures. She emphasized that the equitable implementation and proper utilization of public funds are crucial in ensuring that health programs benefit the entire populace of Agno. Mr. Harold Paulo T. Mejia, DMO IV also expressed his gratitude to the whole team for its support to the DOH Program Implementation. Also present in the activity was Mrs. Freda N. Velasquez, PESO Manager/HRMA who acknowledged the effort of the team for spearheading such training that is timely and relevant specially to employees.
In a heartfelt message, Dr. Joseph B. Lopez echoed the lyrics, “Smile, though your heart is aching…”, reminding participants that the Agno Rural Health Unit is a family, bound by shared values of compassion, solidarity, and service.
As part of the continuous improvement process, the performance and accomplishments of all barangays in the implementation of various health programs were presented. This program implementation review underscored the importance of regular evaluation by experts and higher offices to ensure that strategies remain responsive, adaptive, and grounded in the realities of both health workers and the communities they serve.
Today’s health challenges go beyond medical treatment and require attention to mental, social, and behavioral factors. A strong program review that includes stress management and therapeutic communication helps ensure compassionate and sustainable health services for the people of Agno.
