BRGY. PAREJA, Butuan City - Two years in social isolation and economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic has placed a toll on mental health especially among the most vulnerable sectors in the society – the senior citizens. Because of this, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 (ATI-Caraga) conducted the Training on Mental Health and Wellness for the Senior Citizens (Batch 1) at the MSC Center for the Poor, Pareja Subdivision, Butuan City from March 9-11, 2022.
A total of twenty-five (25) senior citizens from Butuan City attended the training. During the first day, Father Rolie Ritchie Gomez, Director of the MSC Center for the Poor, was the speaker on the topic “The Crisis of Our Time”. In his discussion, he mentioned the environmental factors that may directly and indirectly become a stressor of an individual. But these stressors, according to him, were triggered by the people themselves. He ended by reminding the participants that taking care of the environment is taking care of the people we love, ourselves, and the world that we live in.
Following Fr. Gomez was Novalil H. Tubo, Social Welfare Officer III from CSWD-Cabadbaran City, who was the speaker on Mental Health. In her introduction, she said that most people have the wrong perception of mental health. As the center of overall health, the brain is vulnerable to stress. Although stress is normal and inevitable as she said, it can lead to mental health issues if not handled well. She also discussed the normal coping mechanisms that a person should do during these stressful periods.
On the second day, Tubo discussed on self-awareness. In her discussion, she emphasized that knowing one’s self is an essential factor to keep mental health and well-being in good condition. Recognizing and understanding one’s moods, emotions, and drives, as well as their effects on others is a key check element in keeping mental health in balance. In addition, she said that practicing emotional intelligence should be considered. In this way, one will be able to overcome challenges and defuse conflict.
On the third day, the participants went on a field tour at the Butuan City Integrated Diversified Farm.
During the closing program, Fil Victor A. Babanto, OIC-Center Director thanked the participants for their time in attending the training. He was delighted to see that the elders were actively participating especially in the Zumba fitness activity. He encouraged everyone to seek support during the hardships in life. He also encouraged them to share what they have learned during the seminar.
In response to the participants’ impressions, Paula Mae A. Creencia, Project Officer, thanked the participants for their positive feedback. She thanked the speakers for the informative discussion and the remarkable, fun-learning activities that were introduced. (with report from Paula Mae Creencia)
