Northern Samar youth gather for Kumustahan – a Mental Health Youth Camp
In the aim to nurture mental health, the National Youth Commission, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar and UNICEF, organized the Kumustahan: Mental Health Youth Camp held on February 28, 2024 at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol.
The Kumustahan: Mental Health Youth Camp is a program fostering mental health among the youth to enhance self-awareness, resilience, and overall well-being in the face of challenges. It seeks to empower them to advocate for positive mental wellness and share their experiences with those in their circles and in their community.
National Youth Commission Chair and CEO, Undersecretary Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema graced the event, who was welcomed to Northern Samar by Governor Edwin Ongchuan.
The Governor expressed his commitment, support, and gratitude for the program, saying “Nagpapasalamat po ako at narito ngayon ang Voice and Advocate of the Filipino Youth, ang ating National Youth Commission, upang magsagawa ng Kumustahan Mental Health Youth Camp upang matulungan ang ating mga Kabataan na magkaroon ng katatagan at kapanatagan,” Gov Ongchuan remarked.
In his address, Usec. Cardema emphasized the importance of mental well-being, highlighting its impact on both physical health and behavior. He also emphasized the need to be prepared for disasters and announced his plan for a collaboration between NYC and PGNS to involve young people in disaster risk reduction readiness and action.
The speakers composed of Mental Health Youth Coaches from NYC: Mr. Justine Torzar, Dr. Alfredo Lorenzo Sablay, Ms. Ymari Kristia Pascua and Mr. Raymark Estael, which also include Mr. Dennis Mendoza and Mr. Flored Jay Medina.
The camp consisted of four (4) main sessions aiming to (1) provide campers with fundamental mental health education, (2) advocate for the BIDA Program, (3) empower participants by sharing successful practices from NYC and Youth Coaches, and (4) enhance their understanding, abilities, and resources for mental health campaigns by supporting them in launching their micro projects.
Present during the event were: Ms. Juliet Bendicio, UNICEF Representative; Hon. Gerardo Gerard Miranda, Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President; Mr. Eduardo Diaz, Program Manager of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Dr. Maria Aurora Vicencio, Provincial Health Officer; BGen. Efren Morados, 803rd Brigade Commander;Assistant Regional Director Darwin Vibar of the DILG Region 8; PSMS Robert Chan, Police Community Development Affairs Unit, PNP; and Ms. Ailene Diaz, manager of the Philippine Information Agency – Northern Samar. (NAC/CEA/act)
