Survivors of MB Kim Nirvana receive psychosocial assistance

CEBU, Philippines- Around 125 survivors and relatives of the victims in the July 2 sea accident from the four municipalities in Camotes Islands have received psychosocial assistance.

 The office of Cebu Provincial Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale, in partnership with the University of San Carlos Psychology Department, conducted a Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing and Psychosocial First Aid from September 2 to 4.

The assistance aims to help beneficiaries from the municipalities of Pilar, Poro, San Francisco and Tudela cope with the tragedy.

MB Kim Nirvana, which was bound for Pilar, capsized shortly after leaving Ormoc City port on July 2, resulting to the death of more than 60 passengers.

 According to Dr. Glenn Glarino, chairman of the USC-Psychology Department, the project is in line with their competence and wellness programs.

Glarino added that it was also undertaken through the university’s Community Extension Services, which involve students and faculty in activities that respond to psychosocial needs of the community.

“I felt the need to extend whatever resources I have to help the survivors and their families to cope up with what happened. I hope the intervention helped reduce distress, promote adaptive functioning and at the same time assisted them on their current needs,” said Magpale.

 The victims are all constituents of Magpale being the PB’s representative of the fifth district.

 Magpale also thanked Governor Hilario Davide III for the latter’s support to the project.

 “Dako namo’ng pasalamat nga nahatagan mi og tabang nga makabangon human sa panghitabo,” said Leonita Guinicor, 57, a resident of Poro who is one of the beneficiaries.   (FREEMAN)