Cordillera Regional Mental Health Program

07/01/2026

Not sure what your resolutions are for 2026? Why not start by focusing on your health, which is, after all, the greatest wealth. Practice these throughout the year and beyond for a healthier you.😁

03/12/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐔𝐏 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒚𝒂𝒌 𝒏𝒂 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒌𝒐?” - In an era where the young ones and young adults often borrow their comfort in the whirlwind of social media, this phrase has become a favorite meme—used to cloak real emotions stirred by uncertainty. But zooming in to the younger generation, how do they really keep their mental health in check?
With this in mind, the Department of Health–Cordillera, through its Mental Health Program in partnership with the Department of Education and the Rural Health Units, rolled out Project RISE UP (Reaching Individuals through Self-Empowerment through Unified Partnership) version 2.0 in Mountain Province. Separate sessions were conducted at Mt. Data National High School in Bauko and later at Barlig National High School and Eastern Barlig National Agricultural and Vocational High School. The initiative seeks to build the capacities of adolescents in select project implementation sites by strengthening their coping mechanisms, awareness, and self-care behaviors.
Each school hosted a full-day rollout featuring experiential learning activities anchored on the agency’s “Ginhawa ng Isip at Damdamin” framework, particularly the session titled Ako at ang Aking Damdamin. Students participated in mental health screening, expressive workshops like The Living Tree and Transformative Self-Portrait, and reflective activities such as Message in a Bottle and How Am I Coping? These allowed them to identify stressors, recognize their emotions, and express themselves in safe and guided spaces. Many shared that the sessions helped them feel heard, think about their goals, and realize that stress and sadness can be addressed in healthier ways.
“We continue to see a rise in suicidal behavior among young people, especially those still in school,” said Mr. Orly Primo, Mental Health Program Manager of DOH-CAR. “Project RISE UP is not just a mental health lecture. It aims to build positive coping skills and reduce suicidal behavior and su***de deaths. This effort is collaborative—we work with DepEd and the local government units to provide the right interventions for adolescents.”
Ultimately, initiatives like Project RISE UP create ripple effects beyond school campuses. By equipping adolescents with coping skills and emotional awareness early on, communities are better positioned to prevent crises, reduce stigma, and nurture healthier, more resilient individuals. When young people learn how to name their emotions, ask for help, and care for themselves, the general public benefits from a generation that can respond to challenges with clarity, compassion, and strength.

03/12/2025

𝗢𝗛-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘-𝗨𝗣 𝟮.𝟬 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲
The Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region continues to champion youth mental wellness through Project RISE-UP Version 2.0, bringing its second wave to Mountain Province on September 17. This initiative aims to empower adolescents by strengthening their self-awareness, self-esteem, and resilience.
More than 300 students from Paracelis Technical and Vocational High School actively participated in interactive discussions on mental health and self-reflection. Activities such as the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) and structured learning sessions emphasized the importance of understanding and caring for one’s mental and emotional well-being.
The activity was led by the DOH-CAR Mental Health team, supported by Human Resources for Health (HRH) staff, along with dedicated health workers from the Provincial Health Office and Paracelis Rural Health Unit. Mental health kits and educational materials were also distributed, reinforcing the message: Together, we RISE for youth mental health.

03/12/2025

𝗗𝗢𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘-𝗨𝗣 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮.𝟬 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲
The Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), through its Mental Health Program, successfully launched the first leg of Project RISE-UP Version 2.0: Ako at ang Aking Kapwa Experiential Learning Sessions in Paracelis, Mountain Province, on August 28, 2025.
Project RISE-UP Version 2.0 is a DOH-CAR initiative aimed at strengthening adolescents’ capacity for mental health and overall well-being. The project provides in-school adolescents with activities designed to build self-awareness and equip them with knowledge and skills on positive coping mechanisms and help-seeking behaviors.
Learners from Butigue National High School actively participated in group discussions and structured learning activities, which emphasized the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and coping strategies. These sessions highlighted the value of caring for one’s mental health and emotions, while also providing learners with a safe space to share and reflect on their thoughts and feelings.
The activity was spearheaded by Dr. Anachris M. Kilakil and Mr. Orly T. Primo, with support from the Mental Health Program technical staff, Human Resources for Health from the Provincial DOH Office–Mountain Province, and personnel from the Provincial Health Office–Mountain Province and the Paracelis Rural Health Unit.
The team is set to hold the second and third legs of the activity on September 17–18, 2025, and October 14 & 16, 2025.




✍Ms. Kacey Toryaden, Health Program Officer & Mr. Orly Primo, Senior Health Program Officer
📸 Ms. Aiden Bermisa, DMO IV - PDOHO Mountain Province

03/12/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐔𝐏 𝐕𝟐.𝟎: 𝐀𝐤𝐨 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐰𝐚 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
Tabuk City, Kalinga | The Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH–CHD CAR) successfully implemented the "Project RISE UP V2.0: Ako at ang Aking Kapwa Experiential Learning Session" on August 19 and 20. The initiative aimed to promote self-empowerment and mental health awareness among students at Rizal National School of Arts and Trades (RNSAT) and Lubuagan National High School-Main Campus (LNHS).
This initiative is a collaboration between the Kalinga Provincial DOH Office, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, the Department of Education–Kalinga, and the Rural Health Units of Rizal and Lubuagan. Project RISE UP, which stands for Reaching Individuals for Self-Empowerment through Unified Partnerships, aims to build strong partnerships, educate students about mental health, and engage them in various activities to raise awareness and promote self-care and self-empowerment. By employing this comprehensive approach, the project seeks to foster resilience and equip students to navigate the challenges of adolescence effectively, thereby preparing them for future success.
The session was supervised by Mr. Orly T. Primo, Senior Health Program Officer and Mental Health Program Manager of the DOH–CHD CAR. Ms. Juliet A. Liggayu, OIC–School Head of RNSAT, and Ms. Genevieve D. Bayog, School Head of LNHS, warmly thanked the guests and participants, encouraging the students to listen attentively and participate actively. Their appreciation and support were also expressed by Dr. Brendalyn Sebastian and Dr. Bryner Kub-aron, Municipal Health Officers of Rizal and Lubuagan, respectively. Furthermore, the Human Resources for Health (HRH) under the National Health Workforce Support System (NHWSS) played a crucial role in organizing activities for students at both schools, underscoring the collaborative effort of this initiative.

03/12/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗨𝗣 𝟮.𝟬 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Department of Health – Cordillera, through its Mental Health Program led by Mr. Orly T. Primo, Senior Health Program Officer, introduced Project RISE UP Version 2.0 to students in Kalinga.
This initiative is a partnership among the Provincial DOH-Kalinga, Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Tabuk City Health Services Office, and the Rural Health Unit of Pasil. Its goal is to educate students about mental health and its impact on their education.
The Project RISE UP Version 2.0 school edition, themed "Ginhawa ng Isip at Damdamin: Sa Paaralan, Ating Alamin at Tuklasin," was launched at Kalinga National High School and Pasil National High School. The focus was on adolescent mental health, aiming to build strong partnerships, educate students about mental well-being, and engage them in various activities that raise awareness, promote self-care, and empower them.
Ms. Frances Reggie V. Ramirez, OPHO Mental Health Coordinator, emphasized the project's objectives within the school setting, aiming to promote mental health awareness and provide essential support. She noted the increasing mental health challenges faced by adolescents in the province and suggested reactivating the peer support group for youth to enhance students' mental well-being and strengthen the school's mental health support system.
Kalinga National High School's principal, Ms. Mildred S. Cabay, expressed her support for the project, highlighting its significance for students. She appreciated its implementation at their school, pointing out that the pandemic has severely affected students' mental health and behavior, posing a significant challenge to their academic performance.
At the same event, Ms. Clara P. Dawing, head of Pasil National High School, addressed the pandemic's impact on students. She recalled previous meetings with higher-level officials where the need for a school-led recovery plan was discussed, especially given the rise in mental health concerns. Ms. Dawing thanked the health team and encouraged students to take the mental health lessons seriously.
Dr. Aldrin Siwao, Municipal Health Officer of Pasil, stressed the importance of open communication among students, urging them to prioritize self-care before caring for others. He reassured them that it is okay not to be okay and emphasized the necessity of taking breaks for their well-being.
Moving forward, both schools plan to replicate Project RISE UP activities as part of their future mental health initiatives, empowering students to practice self-care. The importance of mental health is vital to overall health and resonates globally.
✍🏼 Jay Mark Malawis, HEPO II, PDOHO Kalinga
📸 Maila D. Liwan, HPO II, HPU, DOH-CAR

03/12/2025

𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
In collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), the Department of Health-Cordillera and its Provincial DOH Office (PDOHO) launched Project RISE UP Version 2.0 in the province of Kalinga to promote mental health awareness.
Project RISE UP (Reaching Individuals for Self-Empowerment through Unified Partnerships) aims to revolutionize mental health. By fostering unified partnerships, Project RISE UP engages individuals through interactive and educational initiatives, empowering them to take control of their mental wellbeing.
DOH-CHD-CAR Director Dr. Ferdinand M. Benbenen advocated for equal mental and physical health consideration. He emphasized the program's focus on empowering individuals through education, community support, and continued access to mental health services.
Governor James S. Edduba emphasized the importance of a collective effort to address mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive environment. He also acknowledged the support of various stakeholders and highlighted the program's potential long-term impact, particularly on the younger generation.
Furthermore, various stakeholders from different national line agencies, district hospital representatives, civil society organizations, and a representative from the office of the city mayor of Tabuk expressed their support and pledged their commitment.
Moreover, healthcare workers participated in an afternoon yoga and dance fitness session, which promoted holistic relaxation and stress relief through physical movement and relaxation exercises, fostering an environment conducive to improved mental well-being.
In addition, laptops were distributed to the epidemiology surveillance units of all primary care facilities, including the PESU at the PHO, for accurate and timely report generation. On top of that, an 8-million-peso check was awarded to the province to implement the Healthy Learning Institution Playbook in partnership with DepEd Kalinga and DepEd Tabuk City. This initiative aims to foster the health and well-being of learners and personnel, continuously strengthening its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning, and working, particularly in the selected Last Mile Elementary Schools.





✍🏼 Jay Mark Malawis, HEPO II, PDOHO Kalinga

10/04/2024

28/02/2024

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