IN CELEBRATION of the mental health awareness month, DM Prime Holdings Corp. has launched its campaign dubbed “The Ampersand” to break the stigma on mental health.
DM Prime Holdings chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey del Mundo said as part of his own initiative, he is taking the lead in spearheading his advocacy to support and raise awareness on mental health as the ampersand sign symbolizes continuance, inclusion and reconnection.
“My story is already an open book. The effects of Covid-19 also took a toll on me. We fight our own battles, mine doesn’t end here. I want to inspire others to stay strong not just for ourselves but for the people who also care about us,” del Mundo said.
“This is beyond our corporate social responsibility as it is personal to me. With this campaign, it will be a good start to help others deal with depression and anxiety in these very challenging times,” he added.
In a statement released by the World Health Organization on October 5, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted critical mental health services in 93 percent of countries worldwide as the demand for mental health is increasing. The devastating impact of Covid-19 on access to mental health services underscores the urgent need for increased funding according to WHO.
In a press briefing by the Department of Health on October 13, the DOH also acknowledges the increase in mental health conditions in the country. DOH National Mental Health Program manager Frances Prescila Cuevas said at least 3.6 million Filipinos were found to have mental conditions.
In line with these recent data and to show full support for the advocacy is del Mundo’s fellow Akbayan party member and author of Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Law, Senator Risa Hontiveros.
“As the author of the Mental Health Law, I believe that the implementation in the midst of a pandemic requires us to innovate. We have to increase our partnerships and information drives at the community level, increase psychological first aid training for non-professionals, and even include these as parts of our culture,” Hontiveros said in a video released on October 10.
“This pandemic has also shown us how much we need each other. May mga nakatayang mga buhay dito that’s why we must continue to invest in our mental health systems, infrastructure, and culture,” she added. “We must empower people to take charge of their mental health and to take responsibility for the well-being of others as well.”
Together with Hontiveros, Senator Koko Pimentel also vowed to give his full support to the campaign as he concurs with the need for mental health services.
Extending the same support for the campaign are Monsignor Jose Lacap and Reverend Father Edgardo Panlilio, actress Diana Zubiri and husband Andy Smith, and the younger generations of celebrities and influencers namely Katrina Halili, Kim Rodriguez, Jillian Ward, Ella Cristofani, Inah de Belen, Valeen Montenegro and Paolo Ballesteros, among others.
“My family and friends are with me in my fight against my own depression, yet I never fail to remember those who are still in need and suffering the same mental illness as I do,” del Mundo shared. “We are here to break the stigma with you. Your story matters too and it doesn’t end here because the best is yet to come.” (Chris Navarro)