Youth care, counseling center opens in Pampanga

Inquirer files

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA, Philippines — Young people in Pampanga who may need support in overcoming “anxiety, stress, bullying, abuse, family problems, heartbreak, or other personal challenges” have a place to go to let off steam or seek professional help.

The place, called the Pampanga Provincial Care and Counseling Center, was opened after a year of laying the groundwork, Gov. Lilia Pineda said.

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Pineda recalled that the availability of mental health services made a difference when there was a rising number of suicide attempts in the immediate post-pandemic years, with the cooperation of teachers, parents and medical workers.

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Located at a Capitol compound behind the OFW Center in Barangay Sindalan here, it operates on the collaboration of the Pampanga provincial government and regional offices of the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment , Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, Pampanga State University, Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, Commission on Human Rights and other government agencies.

“Sama-sama nating alagaan ang mga kabataan upang maramdaman nilang sila ay nakikita, pinapahalagahan, minamahal, at may handang umalalay sa kanila, lalo na ang mga pamilyang nahihirapang tugunan ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng kanilang mga anak,” Pineda said, expressing concern over incidents of violence in schools.

In one, a Kapampangan lad, Chris Lorenz Fabian, was killed in the June 22 shooting at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

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The Pampanga Health Office said psychiatrists and psychometricians will provide appropriate interventions, including psychosocial support, psycho-education, and provision of prescribed medicines, as part of the center’s care and support process.

Sports programs and other activities will serve as positive outlets for the youth. /cb

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