THE City of Love is using creativity for mental health promotion amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.
Mayor Jerry Treñas thanked the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Mental Health Well-being and Resilience for initiating “Dagyaw: Activation of Multiple Creative Hubs in the City of Iloilo for Mental Health Well-Being and Resilience.”
Dagyaw is a Hiligaynon term for communal work. It is associated with “mutual sharing and help that reflects the symbiotic relationship between members of a group.”
In principle, dagyaw is an inclusive process. Used in this context, mental health has become an inclusive governance concern that deserves a dagyaw.
Ginhawa (Breath) Prayer was started during Monday's flag ceremony and at every start of meetings of City Hall.
This is vital because breathing is an essential life process that nourishes the being through its physiological and psychological co-benefits which are much needed in the period of Covid-19, said Prof. Jessica Bercilla of TWG.
With the aim of ensuring that the constituents do not only survive, rather, thrive, the initiative hopes the Ilonggos are able to:
* Develop a culture of ginhawa (to breathe);
* Learn how to manage pent-up emotions arising from COVID 19 and other stressors;
* Reclaim their capacity to take control of their lives, to dream, to aspire:
* Regain capacity to belong and build or enhance the sense of community, social capital, develop and strengthen social support systems;
* Facilitate and enable learning among children, youth, adults, elderly, and Persons with Disabilities.
The mitigating measure aims to avert further decline of the mental health state among the youth and general public.
The collaboration seeks to help address the mental health concerns amid the fears, pressures, anxiety, or stress resulting from the pandemic.
This work will be coordinated by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council via the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and with strict monitoring for compliance to health protocols. (PR)