DELAYED JUSTICE!
by: Leyanna Flo Caballero
The Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) is a jail located in Kalunasan, Brgy. Guadalupe, Cebu City; which was built on 1871.
The jail became very popular for its rehabilitation program that started at 2005 until this day that is based on a choreographed exercise for the inmates which made them very popular as the “Dancing Inmates of Cebu.”
DANCING INMATES OF CEBU
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| Cebu Dancing Inmates Photo credit: flipnomad.com |
While wearing their orange suits performing for tourists in the CPDRC quadrangle made them famous and everyone calls them the “Dancing Inmates”. These Inmates are now famous for using a choreographed dance for rehabilitation. You see these inmates on Youtube, Facebook, and other social media sites and now became a tourist attraction.
Security Consultant Byron Garcia was brought to CPDRC to handle and settle the regular chaos in the detention center. He then introduces a choreographed dance to these inmates to forget all their worries, angers, grudges, and pains. He then uploaded their video on Youtube which made them the “Dancing Inmates of Cebu.”
But behind those smiling faces as they dance lays a big obstacles in their lives.
BEHIND BARS
These inmates have been staying in a congested place for months or years. They have to live in cells packed like sardines. They had to stay in these cells during in the warm/humid and cold seasons with poor facilities and ventilation; it seems like they don’t give value to these inmates.
The people may all think that it serves them right to be in that damped place because they’re all criminals but most of them are just “detainees”.
They are called “detainees” because their cases are still being heard in court and awaiting for judgment.
UNSOLVED CASE
Ramon, 35, one of the detainees of CPDRC has been in the detention center for 6 yrs. And his case has yet to be judged. He has been waiting for his case for 6 yrs. And thought this case will be settled for only at least 2 yrs. leaving his wife and child in Barili, Cebu Province was the hardest for him and still worries for them in the detention center.
Ramon accused of drug pushing because he had a pack of cocaine placed in his bag. He was not aware of such thing to be in his bag and was sent to the Police. Due to lack of evidence and proof to fight for his justice and he can’t afford a lawyer. He was sent to CPDRC.
LAW
According to the Philippine Criminal Justice System (PCJS), The Philippine Government has organized and established institutions which serve to maintain peace and order. These institutions are responsible for preventing crimes, enforcement of laws, and apprehension and prosecution of those who violate the law. If the courts of law find them guilty of committing a crime, they shall be confined in order for those people to be rehabilitated and to be reintegrated into the community as law abiding citizens.
Ramon was then confined at CPDRC for 6 yrs. Now and still had that case unsolved.
But According to the Bill of Rights: Sec. 14 “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf. . .”
These detainees have rights to be presumed innocent until their cases are proved. But this does not seem to apply in Ramon’s case but with the help of a few people made him have hope.
LEGAL MISSION
April 2012, Inday Tikay Ylaya along with Att. Seno and 2 other lawyers and 13 other trainees conducted a “Legal Mission.” This Legal Mission was to help these detainees on each of their delayed cases and give them counseling. More than 100 detainees participated in this Legal Mission which lasted for a whole day and successfully ended.
This mission made these detainees believe that they can still be free. Excited to see their families and hoping that they will be free. They hope to have another Legal Mission in CPDRC.
Filipina women and their child abandoned by their foreign partners/fathers
#FindingDaddy
by: Kathleen Llesol
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| Photo Credit: randygener.files.wordpress.com |
This topic aims to discover how Women and Children in this situation be able to achieve what is right for them. Especially these children who are out to seek their biological fathers not merely about going after what they may acquire, but mostly on just being able to see their dads whom they have never seen in years or have never seen at all.
CIVIC GROUPS:
Maligaya House (Manila) – a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Tokyo who supports Japanese-Filipino Children (JFC) who are born to Filipino mothers and Japanese fathers.
Kumustaka-Living Together with Foreigners Association
Batis Center for Women in the Philippines – has been offering advice on issues confronting Japanese-Filipino children, such as searching for their fathers and also helping in areas of education and medical care.
Filipino Amerasians Worldwide
Kopino Children Association Inc.
HYPERLINK "http://www.subicbaypi.com" www.subicbaypi.com
The Stress of Single Mothers and its Effect on Quality Child Care
Source: http://www.kon.org/urc/v7/bronnimann.html
Research indicates that single mothers experience excessive stress and that the stress is a result of the need to provide financially for the family concurrently with caring for the home in ways traditionally handled by both men and women, acquiring new skills, and parenting. A review of the literature demonstrates that stress has a direct impact on the child. Single mothers juggle many responsibilities, including financial provision, housekeeping, and parenting. In addition, they lack a supportive spouse to turn to for counsel, cooperation, and comfort. The stress in the mother’s life and the way she deals with it also impacts her child. Current research suggests that professional help is sought for mental health reasons by single-parent mothers two to three times more often.
Reasons why these cases occur:
Some of these foreign men refuse to acknowledge paternity and provide child support.
These men do not know or are not aware that they have a child with the Filipina whom they met.
There were a lot of Filipino prostitutes who were used by these foreign men.
Encounters between a Filipina and a foreigner resulted in promises to marry as well as cases where the couple actually do get married in the Philippines only to have the foreign man cut off all ties after the birth of a child.
These cases also occur due to the increase of migrant workers and increase of international marriages.
The US Navy and Air Force had bases in the Philippines where Filipina bar girls also stay in the area and the soldiers were their regular clients.. When the American military left the bases in the early 1990s, these children were left behind.
Due to the dream of Filipina women to have a better life, they intend to believe promises and end up left with a child whom they need to take sole responsibility.
Census:
Kopino - 10,000 abandoned kopinos (http://www.koreabang.com)
15 of them are under Kopino Children Association Inc. in Quezon city
22 are listed under the same association here in Cebu
Filipino Amerasians - were estimated to run to about 52,000 (Pearl S. Buck International Foundation)
Abandoned children
Phoebe Kate (born of a Filipina mother and American father) said she had questions in mind and wondered why others have their Dads while she doesn't have hers. While Jacqueline (born of a Filipina mother and a Japanese father) said she felt kind of empty, but later on as her mom explained things to her, she understood. But she said it's just a natural feeling to wonder how his father looks like and if he ever looked for her.
When asked if they ever wanted to see their father, these were their honest answers:
Phoebe: Yes, there were those times I wanted to see him, but later on, I realized I got my siblings and my mom so why should I look for someone who's not there?
Jacqueline: I definitely wanted to see him. I want him to know that I exist and I am waiting for him. Sometimes it just pains me to see kids with their dads because I don't know how it feels to have one. But as I become more mature, I guess I have coped up but not that much.
At first, Phoebe was very hesitant to talk about her Dad that she even advised me to look for another source instead, but as I kept on convincing her, she finally was willing to answer a few of my questions. While Jacque was willing to answer profoundly.
Interview with a psychologist:
Ms. Jovelle Ann Capilitan (licensed counselor)
1.) After having been abandoned by their partners, what do these women/mothers usually feel especially that they would have to shoulder all the responsibilities for their child?
Some of these moms have withdrawal just the same as grief. The economic status is one of the factors. If the mother has a job, more or less it's not that hard for the mom to cope up, but if the mom is poor, there starts depression. They isolate themselves and become in denial of their situation.
1.1 Can they possibly be suicidal?
Yes, but not all.. It all depends on the level of emotional capacity. If the mom does not have a job, it is very possible because it would be very hard for her to raise her child if she does not have a source of income.
1.2 Or they too would choose to abandon their child after giving birth to them?
Possibly they will abandon. There is a tendency to that. It is common to all. There will be those who choose to abandon. It's about Cultural relativity. If you believe you have to stand for your family, you will really stand for it because that is what you are used to.
2.) Ideally, at what age of the children can these mothers start making them understand why they grew up without a father?
Ideally, when the child starts to ask about the situation. It still would depend on the maturity level.
3.) What are the possible effects of situations like this to a child?
If the child's needs are compensated like love, he/she will not be affected like in his studies. But if the child does not feel belongingness or feels that something is still missing and is confused about the meaning of his existence, he will try to look for other company like his friends because he found his belongingness there.
Laws
Article 194 of the Family Code defines “support” as comprising everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transportation, in keeping with the financial capacity of the family. The education of the person entitled to be supported includes his schooling or training for some profession, trade or vocation, even beyond the age of majority. Transportation includes expenses in going to and from school, or to and from place of work.
Article 204 provides that the person obliged to give support has the option to fulfill the obligation either:
(1) By paying the allowance fixed, or
(2) By receiving and maintaining in the family dwelling the person who has a right to receive support.
The second alternative cannot be used if in case there is a moral or legal obstacle.
Republic Act 8972 or the “ HYPERLINK "http://www.familymatters.org.ph/Relevant%20Laws/RA%208972%20Solo%20Parents%20Welfare%20Act.htm" Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000” provides benefits to single parents.
Section 36, Rule V of the implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9262 expressly allows the issuance of a Hold Departure Order against the man; for example, if he is an OFW or a foreigner, so that he cannot leave the country while the petition is being heard. Section 36 states:
Hold Departure Order. – The counsel for the victim-survivor or applicant may request the court for a Hold Departure Order in the application or petition for protection order. The court shall expedite the process of issuance of a hold departure order in cases prosecuted under the Act.
HELPING OLDIES
by: Josame Israel
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| Photo Credit: http://www.toyotabo.com.ph/images/IMG_9644.jpg |
After a lifetime of working, raising families, and contributing to the success of our nation in countless ways, senior citizens deserve to retire with dignity. It is said that the Philippines is the 7th best country for oldies to retire in Asia.
It is more fun in the Philippines for senior citizens, as it ranked 7th among 21 countries in Asia and 44th among the 91 countries worldwide as stated in the Global Watch Index. As Philippines being a small country, the health status and life expectancy at 60 years old is 14 years, more time for them to enjoy the world when they retire.
As the world is developing, there are more ways on how to help the senior citizens and let them have more benefits as they grow older. Department of Health (DOH) is taking positive actions in facing challenges to achieve income security and health status for the Filipino senior citizens.
“The policies and programs that recognize older people’s contribution, provide entitlements to access social services, promote their full employment and maximize opportunities for their participation in national development.” being said in the website of global watch index.
The services made by DOH and mentioned by Jane Michelle Ediza, R.N. are immunization with flu vaccines and pneumococcal. Each of them has National Housing Targeting System (NHTS) focusing on the poorest among the poor people including the senior citizens of the family.
They have a strategy as being part of the Community Health Team (CHT) as an administration in universal healthcare. Health workers with one CHT will partner with 5 families, and they will go to the selective health centers or home visits to give out the vaccines needed for the family.
LAWS AND BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
An act granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, further amending Act No. 7432, as amended, otherwise known as “an act to minimize the contribution of senior citizens to nation building, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes” be enacted by the house of representatives of the Philippines, assembled the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010”.
In section 4, the privileges of the Senior Citizens are grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value -added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of the following goods and services from all establishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of the senior citizen.
NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
There are still many benefits that Filipino senior citizens can get from the government or even privately owned establishments, like a shelter or even a home to live in. There are places in the Philippines that caters to senior citizens who are abandoned or families that do not have the financial income to take care of them.
The awful truth is that there are still children out there abandoning their parents until they will pass away with no fulfillment in life to prosper. But the advantages of being in a developing country is that there are Home for the Aged present to help and adopt the oldies if no one can watch over them.
One of the Home for the Aged that would cater to senior citizens is, “Gasa sa Gugma: Home for the dying destitutes” located in Cabantan St., Mabolo, Cebu City. It where the dying and abandoned call “home”. They are managed by the Missionaries of Charity, sisters of Mother Teresa of Avila.
One of the superiors in Home for the Aged, Sister Milagrosa said they are the ones who are taking care of the senior citizens and if they do not have a home, they adopt and take them to their shelter.
Imagine these old people, with jaded eyes and tired feet. The feeling of being old and lonely knowing that you only have a few years left ahead of you, that how these abandoned old souls feel. They are used to be mothers, fathers, carpenters, travelers and even sisters or brothers who have experienced so much in life but just did not have the time to appreciate it.
They only receive few, or none at all, visits from their families, which makes them even lonelier in life. But with the help of Gasa sa Gugma, they can have a home that can call their own. With a vision to “Our aim is to quench the infinite thirst of Jesus Christ on the cross for souls by the profession of the evangelical counsels, and whole-hearted and free service to the poorest of the poor according to the constitutions of the Missionaries of Charity.”
The government, non-government and even the privately owned organizations are doing the best they can to help and reach out to the senior citizens in need. Through this, helping each other in order for them to have a better home and shelter and the necessities provided for such old people who cannot stand on their anymore.
TRADITIONAL VS MODERN GAMES
by: Mai Enriquez
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| Photo Credit: 25.media.tumblr.com |
In the Philippines, there are Filipino Traditional Games such as Tumbang Preso, Luksong-baka, Luksong-tinik, Piko, Agawan Base, Bahay-bahayan, Chinese Garter, Jack-en-poy, Holen, Langit-lupa, Palosebo, Sipa, Taguan, Sepak Takraw and etc.
Lola Beatrice Lopez, 75-yr-old, shared her experiences in playing Tagu-taguan. “It was really fun playing tagu-taguan. I think I was really good in playing back then.”
Domingo Hernandez, 56-years-old said, “My favorite game before was Takyan. I can even do it in 100 during at that time. I think I couldn’t do that anymore”
Due to limited resources of toys; the Filipino children come up on inventing games without the need of anything but the players themselves.
“It was really fun. We even made a game that only a few of us knows. We call it Dakop – Dakop with a twist.” Fe Lauchengco said
With the age of technology, almost everyone - including the children - is practically living in a virtual life. Because of this, Lolo Ramon Buenavista, 67 year-old, couldn’t help in saying, “During our time, were given our freedom to learn on our own little ways. Unlike today, children are given gadgets which limit their freedom to learn new things.”
REVIVING TRADITIONAL GAMES
Magna Kultura revives the traditional Filipino street games. Reaching and reviving fun in the neighborhood. They believe that the Filipino Traditional Street Games are still a favorite past-time among children in heavy urban areas and provinces."
They conducted a program dubbed as “LARONG PINOY” that aims to bring back the fun and excitement of Traditional Filipino Games. Larong Pinoy promotes active play by giving children in the community something to play on. Larong Pinoy promotes healthy physical, social and mental development of young people. And best of all, it is all about giving kids fun in the communities where they live.
Studies shows that street games promote total fitness — from the physical with the locomotors (moving from one place to another) and non-locomotors (moving on-the-spot without going anywhere) movements incorporated into the mental fitness. It was also promoting national culture and Filipino pride among the new generation of youth.
GLOBALIZATION
According to Mrs. Zona Amper, Assistant Professor 5 for Anthropology of University of San Carlos Talamban, "because globalization and its rapid changes, traditional games might just remain in our cultur heritage."
She also added, "Although, those are just possibilities. I still believe that the Traditional Filipino Games would encompass not only to the children and the youth, but also to adults and elderly generation as well."
The games are still taught in schools and majority of the adults and elders would like to pass on the fun tradition to their grand childrens.
According to Jame Batara, Social Psychologist of University of San Carlos Talamban, "Traditional games cultivate sportsmanship."
It teaches moral lessons and values in life. It helps the physical, mental, emotional and moral vitality of a child.
Batara expounded, "We cannot say that we will not let the children play the modern games, they might get left behind of digital age."
AFFORDABLE
But Internet access is getting cheaper. With the booming trend of computer shop businesses called Peso-net or Hulog-Hulog Internet.
A single coin can let the child play online games instantly.
"Bido", 7 yrs old, is into playing Peso-Peso Net. When asked why he chooses to play computer games rather than playing at the playgrounds, "It is much more fun here, for it only takes to insert a coin to have the game that you want to play."
Along with Bido is his "Kuya Kulas", 9 yrs old, who is also fond of playing Peso-Peso Net. He gives his brother one peso every time the slot machine sounds. "The online games are nice. It is much more fun playing Dota than playing Dakop-dakop."
On the other hand the mother of these children, Mrs. Elenita Ybanez, 31 yrs old, doesn't know that these children often go to Peso-Peso Net or Hulog-Hulog Internet. She said that she gives them allowance when they go to school.
She added,” There are a lot of kids who doesn't know how to manage their time. Because of computer games, there are kids who perform badly in school."
COMPUTER ADDICTION A DISORDER
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| Photo Credit: 1.bp.blogspot.com |
According to Jame Batara, Social Psychologist of University of San Carlos Talamban, "Computer Addiction or Constant Gaming is a mental illness which causes the excessive use of computers to the extent that it interferes with daily life. Excessive use may explain problems in social interaction, mood, personality, work ethic, relationships, thought processes, or sleep deprivation."
Batara added,"Computer or Gaming addiction is a disorder. Last May 2013, video game addiction was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in the Conditions for Further Study section as "Internet Gaming Disorder".
When asked why some are addicted to computer games, "In a virtual world, mistakes can be undone and time can renew itself with the push of a button. Computer games are addictive because they allow people to escape reality, offer challenges, and allow people to experience their dreams which they cannot experience in real life," Batara said.
Batara stated further that in order to be treated from computer or gaming addiction, one must seek for Therapy or Psychological Interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
PHYSICAL AILMENTS
According to Dr. David Gaviola, Medical Officer 3 of Cebu City Health Department, "Playing computer games can relieve stress. Unfortunately, some doesn't know how to stop. Too much of everything is bad."
Dr. Gaviola cited, "The problem with addiction lies within the person, not within the thing they are addicted to."
He stated the different kinds of Physical Ailments computer games addiction:
1. Computer Eye Syndrome
Playing at a computer for a long period of time without breaks can cause unnatural strain on us that can result in a condition called “computer fatigue syndrome”.
Over a period of time, excessive computer gaming can have cumulative negative effects on the user including the worsening of farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye-focusing disorders and poor eye coordination.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Someone with carpal tunnel syndrome may have trouble typing on the computer or playing a video game. In fact, repetitive motions (doing the same thing again and again) from those activities may be to blame for causing the carpal tunnel syndrome in the first place.
3. Obesity
4. High Blood Pressure
POSITIVE EFFECTS
Most people think that video games only cause the corruption of a child’s mind, and destruction of someone’s physical ability. However, playing video games can actually have benefits.
Whether played on a handheld device, or a computer, the games can expand the child's ability on spatial subjects and improve hand-eye coordination and improve his or her reflexes. It improves the people's analyzation and problem-solving skills.
EFFECTS OF EDUCATION
PARENT'S ROLE
In today's world parents must protect their children from many dangers. Computer and Video games are the fastest growing form of media today. It may seem harmless, but parents should know and understand the effects of it.
According to Dr. Sophia Mancao of Department Of Health (DOH-7), "The parents have the responsibility to take care and guide their children. They should make sure that there is balance and discipline in computer games.
The parents should monitor their children and make them realize that a computer game is not a necessity, nor a priority, but just a tool.
Stress: Leads to different mental problems
by: Marianne A. Dungog
From the moment you get up in the morning, you become anxious on what to do next. You check the time, you’re late for work and you have a deadline to catch up. If you do not know how to manage these daily events, it will lead you to illnesses that your body could acquire.
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| Photo Credit: www.theprospect.net |
Stressors
There are different kinds of stressor that our bodies can acquire. These are physical, social and occupational.
Physical can include lighting, space, and color. Noise is also considered physical. When we hear a motorcycle pass by or a baby crying can be very disturbing. Our social environment mainly revolves around family, friends and school and work relationships.
Social stressor could be having an argument with your friend or anticipating for a test result.
Occupational stressor depends on the kind of stress your job acquires. If you’re a traffic enforcer, the job requires you to be alert to avoid car accidents and road traffic. Sometimes, we do not consider on thinking how stressful a certain job can be when making career decisions.
(James H. Otto, Cloyd J. Julian, et al. Modern Heatlh: Personality Under Stress,1985 )
Anxiety
According to DOH (Department of Health) Disorder Category Distribution of Male and Female respondents who had mental problem (NCR February 1 to April 2006) Substance related had 65%, Psychotic had 15%, Mood had 20%, Anxiety had 75% and Somatoform had 18%.
Anxiety having the highest percent among the mental problems that were stated makes it more visible why stress can cause us mental illness. One of the major causes of Anxiety is stress. Stress from school, work, relationships, finances and money or even from a natural disaster.
Avoiding stress
Most people just avoid stress and continue to go on with their daily activities. Not knowing that this have a great effect on their system.
When our body is gaining more and more stress it can lead us to destroying our own immune system. Migraine headaches (due to effects of stress), eyes tearing, tension headaches (due to tightening of head and neck muscles), Nose (redness, swelling of mucous membranes), Respiratory system (increased breathing; asthma) are some of the conditions cause or made worse by stress.
One of the illnesses that come from stress is the Psychosomatic Illness. A defect in a body organ is called an organic disease. But when an organ has no defect in its structure, but acts up due to emotional stress. This disorder disturbs normal body functions.
Hence, if our body becomes dysfunctional, it could greatly affect the main part of our system; the brain.
Although, not all brain diseases are categorized as mental illnesses. Disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are brain disorders, but they are considered neurological diseases rather than mental illnesses.
Interestingly, the lines between mental illnesses and these other brain or neurological disorders is blurring somewhat.
As scientists continue to investigate the brains of people who have mental illnesses, they are learning that mental illness is associated with changes in the brain’s structure, chemistry, and function and that mental illness does indeed have a biological basis. (http://science.education.nih.gov)
Defining Mental Health
Mental health is a state of successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity. (DOH Department of Health 2008)
Mental disorders are health conditions that adversely affect cognition, emotion and behaviour and that significantly reduces the child’s capacity to learn and an adult’s ability to function in their families, at work or in society. Acquired early in life, some mental disorders run a chronic, recurrent course and generate an immense health burden. (DOH Department of Health 2008)
Philippines
There are about 22, 745,163 Filipinos suffering from a mental health problem from a general population of 84,241,341 (DOH Department of Health) (2005 estimate).
In the Philippines, there are 7.76 hospital beds per 100,000 and 0.41 psychiatrist per 100,000 general population (excluding those from the private sector). The country has several types of Mental health facilities.
There are at present 2 mental hospitals, 46 out-patient facilities that treat 124.3 users per 100, 000 general population, 4 day treatment facilities that treat 4.42 users per 100,000 general population, 19 community based psychiatric inpatient facilities that provide 1.58 beds per 100,000 population, and 15 community residential facilities (custodial care) that provide 0.61 beds per 100,000 general population.
There is only one mental hospital in NCR, the NCMH which houses 4,200 beds while all other mental facilities are located in major cities. (World Health Organization - Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems WHO-AIMS 2005)
Law
There is no mental health law in the Philippines. The laws that govern the provision of mental health services are contained in various parts of the Administrative and Penal Code promulgated in 1917.
The prevention, treatment and rehabilitation from substance abuse are covered in the Dangerous Drugs Act (which was revised in 2001). A Dangerous Drugs Board is responsible for the policy; a Presidential Drug Enforcement Agency implements the policy and the Department of Health supervises and monitors the laboratories where drug testing, treatment and rehabilitation take place.
In April 2001, the Secretary of Health signed the National Mental Health Policy, which is now known as Administrative Order No.5, Series 2001. The document contains generic goals and strategies for the Mental Health Program. Although signed in April 2001, the policy has still to be presented and implemented by the various stakeholders in mental health. (B. Conde's Philippines Mental Health Country Profile)
Finance
Five percent of health care expenditures by the government health department are directed towards mental health. Of all the expenditures on mental health, 95% are spent on the operation, maintenance and salary of personnel of mental hospitals. The percentage of the population that has free access (at least 80%) to essential psychotropic medicines is unknown.
For those that pay out of pocket, the cost of antipsychotic medication is 0.46% and of antidepressant medication is 11.14% of the minimum daily wage (approximately US$ 0.035 per day for antipsychotic medication and US$ 0.75 per day for antidepressant medication).
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation recently covered mental illness but limited only to patients with severe mental disorders confined for short duration.
(WHO-AIMS 2005)
Cebu
There are several hospitals in Cebu that caters mentally ill patients. One of which is the Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital. Mental health patients offered by different regions are usually sent in Vicente Sotto.
Calamity
After experiencing two tragic events in Central Visayas, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on October 15,2013, covered provinces of Bohol and Siquijor and the cities of Tagbilaran and Cebu, and the super typhoon Yolanda on November 15, 2013 which covered the Ormoc, and Northern part of Cebu caused damages that affected our Mental Health.
“We are now expecting a lot of people experiencing depression, and other mental health problems.” Emmalyn Fernandez, DOH IOC nurse said.
After the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Emmalyn says, “the first six weeks after the calamity, it will still be normal if you feel frightened or startle whenever you feel aftershocks, but if it goes beyond the 6 weeks and you still continue to feel that way, they might already acquire a mental problem.”
With this, The Department of Health in Cebu is now served as a hub for Mental Health cluster meeting. They meet every Thursday together with WOH and International volunteers. Since the disaster, DOH has trained personals to do psycho social processing for Ormoc, and Northern Cebu Yolanda victims.
These victims need to learn to adapt to the situation. They need professional nurses or psychiatrists to do with the coping up and de-briefing.
Coping up
Knowing that stress is one of the major causes that can lead to mental problems, we are we more conscious about our diet and exercise? Our brain being the most used organ is accumulating all the stress our body undergoes.
Abusing our system will lead us to cause mental health problems. Some people rely on alcohol and drugs instead, which can cause them more complications.
Dependence on such strategies can quickly become another problem that increases rather than reduces stress in life.
There are any positive skills and strategies that can be used to cope with stress effectively.
Those who develop positive ways for handling stress run the smallest risk of developing stress-related health problems.
You can reduce stress in your life by learning to manage time properly. This requires planning activities before you begin them. Allow enough time to carry out activities so you can avoid last-minute rush.
Set priorities. Decide which tasks or activities are most important and tackle those activities first.
Plan a stress-reducing lifestyle. Try to look ahead and anticipate major changes in life and plan for them. Balance work and play.
Adopt a positive attitude. Learn to change the things you can, but accept things you cannot change.
(James H. Otto, Cloyd J. Julian, et al. Modern Heatlh: Managing Stress: Skills and Strategies, 1985 )
Awareness
In our society, we might consider people who have mental disorders being the “crazy” ones. This does not imply. Anyone can acquire such disorder but have different effects in our bodies.
Mental patients should be prioritized by our government and our community. If one can get diabetes, or cancer, they are then treated with the right medications yet with mentally ill patients we sometimes ignore these individuals.
There are people out there who still are unaware that they are already acquiring such disease or illnesses. It is our job to encourage them to seek for medication.
“Mental illness is so much more complicated than any pill that any mortal could invent” -- Elizabeth Lee Wurtzel, American writer and journalist
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