By: Explained PH - Aklan
The local government unit of Kalibo eyes to open a Community-Based Mental Health Care Facility, SB Member Phillip Yerro Kimpo confirms on Sunday.
Kimpo, who authored the resolution together with SB Members Ketchie Luces and Ronald Marte in 2020, said that the facility is now part of the Annual Investment Plan for Calendar Year 2022 of LGU Kalibo.
Kimpo also emphasized that it is now one of the municipality’s priority projects.
“I believe that mental health issues constitute a very serious matter, a silent killer, especially in this time of crisis and pandemic. The LGU should take a proactive role in alleviating them.”
“When we say we need to build a facility, we are not just talking about the physical building. It also involves the proper health professionals, staff, training programs, and community outreach.” said Kimpo in an interview with Explained PH Aklan.
Kimpo also said in his Facebook post that the next step of this project is to secure the actual budget for the facility’s construction and staffing.
Aside from this, two other resolutions concerning mental health were also passed.
One resolution requests the Local Chief Executive to prioritize and allot the necessary funds for the hiring of mental health professionals and the other one requests the Department of Health – Region VI to provide training on mental health and psychosocial support for LGU Kalibo’s health workers.