MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army opened its Mental Health Resiliency Center (MHRC) at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig over the weekend.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay led the launching of the mental health program dubbed “Kaagapay ng mga Bayani,” which aims to provide psychological interventions for soldiers with mental health disorders.
“By providing proper healthcare, we help our soldiers restore their well-being to assist them in their transition from the active service to civilian life,” Gapay said.
The MHRC, located at the hospital’s outpatient wing, is designed to assist the Army in the prevention, early detection, treatment and management of mental health disorders; provide resilience training and post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD interventions, and conduct comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation for soldiers’ enlistment, promotion, schooling and employment.
Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said the program is anchored on Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act, which affirms the fundamental rights of people requiring mental health services.