THE Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), along with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)-Davao, plans to include mental health awareness for the workers as part of the business permit requirements.
PMHA Davao chapter director Precious Manliguez said that the mental condition and welfare of Filipino workers in general must also be prioritized in any business establishment.
“We have already talked to Dole about it. At tinitingnan nila ang possibility na kapag nagre-renew ng business permit kailangan mag-undergo ng mental health awareness activity ang establishment (And they are already looking on the possibility of including in the renewal of business permit that the business establishment must undergo a mental health activity),” Manliguez said in an interview on Monday, October 8, 2018, at SM City Davao.
Manliguez added that nothing is still final yet as to what specific mental health awareness activity should be conducted for the business establishments to be renewed of their permits. She added that this requirement will be launched midyear of 2019 yet.
She underscored the efficacy of business employees if their mental health is addressed.
“Kasi nakita rin ng Dole ang risk ng mental health ng BPO workers, and other illnesses like HIV which can affect sa mental wellness ng mga call center agents natin (Because Dole also saw the risks of BPO workers’ mental health, and other illness like HIV which can affect the mental wellness of our call center agents),” Manliguez said.
She added that the requirement will not only benefit those in the BPO industry but hopefully everyone.
“We must secure our mental health at all times,” she said.