BingoPlus Foundation pioneers grassroots mental health program

MANILA, Philippines — BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus, is partnering with Paglaum Mental Health Support Group and Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. in launching a pioneering community-based mental health campaign. The initiative is addressing one of the country’s most urgent yet often overlooked challenges: the lack of accessible and stigma-free mental health care in grassroots communities, despite the establishment of Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Act.

According to the Department of Health, 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological or substance-use disorders, yet access to services remains scarce due to the limited number of trained professionals, less than one mental health worker per 100,000 people. In Cebu, the Barangay Behavioral Health Unit in Lahug has reported a surge cases of anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies, as well as a growing volume of hotline calls.

To bridge this gap, Bingo-Plus Foundation has rolled out a two-part capacity building training program for community health workers, teachers and barangay leaders. The training covered three aspects such as foundational knowledge on mental health and psychosocial support, practical skills such psychological first aid, active listening and referral pathways, and culturally sensitive approaches to encourage early help-seeking while reducing stigma.

The foundation will also launch a barangay-level awareness caravan, designed to reach up to 100 residents per session. These interactive sessions focus on well-being, family dynamics and breaking stigma, ensuring that conversations about mental health become part of everyday community life.

“Mental health is often overlooked in grassroots communities, yet the need is urgent. By urgent local health workers and educators with the right tools, we are helping communities become more compassionate and resilient. This is how we bring the vision of the Philippine Mental Health Act to life especially making care community-based, accessible and a basic right for every Filipino.” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, executive director of BingoPlus Foundation.