Malou Guanzon-Apalisok
CEBU (RVA News): As the Archdiocese of Cebu, Philippines, continues to distribute relief goods such as rice, water, mats, medicines, and other essential items to the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that devastated northern part of the province on September 30, a parallel initiative has been launched to help survivors cope with the psychological toll of the disaster.
The initiative is being carried out under the arhdiocese’s Relief and Rehabilitation Unit [RRU].
The unit is collaborating with lay professionals, including clinical psychologists, members of the archdiocesan clergy, seminarians, representatives from the Redemptorist community, ecumenical groups, and lay volunteers from various parishes.
Speaking with Radio Veritas Asia, RRU head Father Charles Jayme said that the team has conducted psychological de-stress briefings for around 228 beneficiaries in the towns of Medellin, San Remigio, Bantayan, and Daanbantayan, where many victims experienced anxiety and trauma caused by widespread injuries, food scarcity, and disruption of basic services. He added that economic hardship and continued aftershocks have prolonged the suffering of some survivors, leading to depression.
Father Charles Jayme said that the team has conducted psychological de-stress briefings for around 228 beneficiaries in the towns of Medellin, San Remigio, Bantayan, and Daanbantayan, where many victims experienced anxiety and trauma caused by widespread injuries, food scarcity, and disruption of basic services
According to Father Jayme, during the psycho-social debriefing sessions, survivors are encouraged to recall their experiences of the earthquake and reflect on how they coped with its impact.
Mental health experts note that the social and economic consequences of natural disasters often result in feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness, emotions commonly reported among survivors.
Father Jayme, who is also vice rector and dean of Studies at San Carlos Seminary College, explained that a sympathetic listener helps survivors open up, after which the RRU team provides comfort and counselling. In cases of intense grief or trauma, a clinical psychologist steps in to offer professional intervention.
In the fourth week of October, the RRU team will visit Barangay Binabag in Bogo City, where 11 people, including eight children, died in a landslide. The victims were laid to rest in a mass grave on September 8, amid the wailing of grieving families and relatives.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
The archdiocesan intervention came at a fitting time, as the world observed World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Malou Guanzon-Apalisok is a freelance journalist based in the Philippines
who contributes regularly to Radio Veritas Asia
