February 9, 2021 – Taking off from initial efforts to promote mental resiliency, the Department of Education will launch a series of mental health and psychosocial support programs for this year.

“Priority natin lagi ang safety of our children, teachers, and staff, kasama dito ang pag-provide sa kanila ng mental health and psychosocial support programs, which will be offered by our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS),” Secretary Leonor Briones Magtolis said.

Starting this Saturday, February 13, DepEd will launch these educational programs centering on mental health for learners, parents, and personnel.

For elementary learners, the Department has prepared T.A.L.A.: Tuklasin, Alamin, Likhain at Alalahanin, an educational, child-friendly program that will offer informative segments, storytelling, and art activities for the children. T.A.L.A. will premiere on March 6 and will run every Saturday at 7:00 AM via DepEd TV and at 8 AM via DepEd Philippines official Facebook page and Youtube channel.

For secondary learners, DepEd will continue to air OKKK! Tambayan (Online Kahusayan at Katatagan ng Kabataan), an online series that discusses mental health concerns with secondary learners as student-panelists and field experts. It is live every Saturday at 9:00 AM via DepEd Philippines Facebook and Youtube channel and can be re-watched on the DepEd TV.

For learners with disability, DepEd will offer Kakaiba-yanihan, an inclusive Psychological Support Service (PSS) program for learners with disabilities and their parents and caregivers that focuses on values in building a supportive and caring environment for them.

“[Kakaiba-yanihan is created] to empower the children with disabilities, provide guidance to parents and/or caregivers, and provide support to their children with disabilities in dealing with anxiety and stress brought by the impact of the pandemic,” DRRMS noted.

Kakaiba-yanihan premiered on March 1 and aired every Monday at 7:00 AM via DepEd TV, with replays every Wednesday and Friday and at 8:00 AM via DepEd Philippines official Facebook page and Youtube channel

For the teaching and non-teaching personnel, the Department will unveil TAYO Naman!: Tulong, Alaga, Yakap at Oras para sa mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyon, an upcoming online webinar that aims to promote self-care during this time of the pandemic.

According to DRRMS, the TAYO Naman! online webinar will also be aired on the DepEd Philippines FB page and Youtube channel this March.

For more details on the MHPSS programs of the Department of Education, you can contact DRRMS via email through drrmo@deped.gov.ph or via landline (02) 8637 4397.

 

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