11/10/2025
𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 (𝐌𝐇𝐏𝐒𝐒) 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐞
October 10–11, 2025 | Northern Cebu, Philippines
Over the past two days, a coordinated Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Response was carried out for communities affected by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu.
The mission was led by the Gestalt Wellness Institute, with CENVISNET, Inc. serving as the Secretariat, in partnership with the Department of Health – Central Visayas (Mental Health Office), Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), and the Caucus of Development NGO Networks, Inc. (CODE-NGO). Coordination and logistical support were provided by the Office of Civil Defense – VII, Cebu Provincial DRRM Office, and the Cebu City Government, with the solidarity of international partners CARE Philippines, the START Network, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
📍 The MHPSS responders - around 20–30 volunteers - traveled to Bogo City (100km north of Cebu City) and reached nearby affected communities including Yolada Village (Brgy. Manyo), Brgy. Bancasan, Brgy. Busogon, and Brgy. Victoria.
The response included:
✅ Coordination with local government units
✅ Distribution of food packs, hot meals, potable water, and hygiene kits
✅ Medical check-ups (as needed)
✅ Psychological First Aid (PFA) for affected families
✅ Psychological Debriefing for emergency responders
We express deep gratitude to the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) members who led the Psychological First Aid and debriefing sessions - offering compassion, presence, and professional care to those most in need.
🤝 This multisectoral effort showed the power of collective care in times of crisis. Together, responders brought hope, healing, and strength to communities rebuilding after the quake.