17/07/2026
๐๐๐-๐๐๐พ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐. ๐๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ช๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐ผ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ก๐ค๐ฎ๐๐๐จ, ๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐ก๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข
As part of the continuing activities for the extension program titled โMental Health for LGUsโ, the Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance, in active collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Sta. Rita, a three-day Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training of Trainers for selected LGU employees was conducted by the faculty members of SSU Psychology Department on July 7-9, 2026 at Caluwayan Beach Resort, Marabut, Samar.
The training featured a series of engaging and practical sessions on understanding mental health and psychosocial support, the principles and appropriate use of Psychological First Aid (PFA), and the WHO PFA model of Prepare, Look, Listen, and Link. Participants also took part in demonstrations, reflection exercises, and an open forum, while learning essential communication, interviewing, and helping skills in providing immediate support. The program further introduced the RAPID Psychological First Aid Model, referral procedures and ethical considerations, and self-care practices for PFA providers. Dynamic activities conducted throughout the sessions helped reinforce learning and equipped the participants with practical skills for responding to individuals experiencing distress.
The initiative was an outgrowth of the coordination meeting held on June 17, 2026 between LGU Sta. Rita and SSU-SICGLG which aimed to equip selected personnel and members of the local mental health core team with foundational knowledge and skills, and ethical guidance for providing immediate support to persons experiencing distress while recognizing the limits of their role and the need for timely referral.
More than the training, the sustainability of the initiative in the municipality was emphasized to ensure that in the long run, such intervention will help foster a mentally healthy Sta. Rita.
For Samar, and beyond!
