Tabuk City, Kalinga — Strengthening community resilience and advancing mental health awareness, Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services, Inc. (CorDisRDS) successfully conducted a two-day Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training in Tabuk City, Kalinga on February 21–22, 2026. CorDisRDS held the training at Fiesta Pavilion Hall, Golden Berries Hotel, and implemented it under Project Mindful Wellness—an initiative that promotes community-based mental health awareness and psychosocial support.
Student Leaders of Tabuk Institute actively participate in the session.
The training gathered Peer Support Groups of Tabuk Institute, Student Leaders, partner networks, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Officials, Partner Networks, Partner Peoples Organization, Staffs, and Teachers, all of whom play vital roles in supporting individuals and communities during times of stress, crisis, and disaster. By bringing together representatives from educational institutions, local government units, health services, and community networks, the activity strengthened collaboration and collective capacity to respond to psychosocial needs.
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) from San Juan participate in the training session.
BLGU representatives from Laya West, community volunteers, and MindWell staff gather together during the activity.
Expert-Led Sessions on Mental Health and Self-Care
Invited resource persons facilitated the sessions, including a Registered Guidance Counselor and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Council for Health and Development. CHD is a national organization of community-based health programs (CBHPs) in the Philippines.
The facilitators provided professional insights on:
-
Mental health fundamentals
-
Self-care practices
-
Communication skills
-
Psychological First Aid principles
-
Managing difficult conversations
Participants gained foundational knowledge on mental well-being, common stress responses, trauma awareness, and the importance of early support and appropriate referral in promoting recovery and resilience.
Ma’am Jo from Council for Health and Development facilitates the session on communication skills.
A strong emphasis was placed on self-care, reinforcing the message that effective helpers must also prioritize their own well-being. Participants explored practical strategies for managing stress, regulating emotions, and preventing burnout. The training underscored that caring for others begins with caring for oneself, as self-awareness and self-regulation are essential in providing steady and compassionate support.
Core principles of Psychological First Aid were introduced, focusing on stabilizing, listening, supporting, and connecting individuals experiencing distress. Participants strengthened their communication skills, particularly active listening, empathy, and responding appropriately during difficult conversations. The sessions highlighted that PFA is not about diagnosing or fixing people, but about offering humane, practical, and compassionate assistance during challenging moments.
Ma’am Jo from the Council for Health and Development facilitates the session on Psychological First Aid (PFA).
Practical Application Through Simulations
To strengthen learning, practicum sessions and interactive exercises were conducted throughout the training. Participants engaged in role-playing scenarios, group activities, and guided simulations that allowed them to practice communication techniques and apply PFA principles in realistic situations. These hands-on exercises enhanced their confidence and readiness to respond effectively in real-life contexts.
Participants actively engage in group discussions during the workshop activities.
Participants actively engage in group discussions during the workshop activities.
Based on the feedback forms accomplished by the participants, many shared that they gained substantial knowledge and a deeper understanding of mental health and psychosocial support. They expressed readiness and confidence to apply what they learned in their respective schools, barangays, and communities, especially when someone approaches them for help or simply needs someone to talk to.
The Resource Person together with the Barangay Health Worker (BHW) participants during a group photo after the successful conduct of the activity.
While Project Mindful Wellness is ending, CorDisRDS remains committed to promoting mental health, strengthening community-based psychosocial support, and building resilient communities in the Cordillera region.