Army opens Mental Health Resiliency Center

June 19, 2020

The Philippine Army (PA) launched its comprehensive mental health program as it  opened the Mental Health Resiliency Center (MHRC) at the Army General Hospital in Taguig City on Friday.

Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, said the event was led by Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay.

"Through our new framework, we shall forward the promotion, protection, restoration, and sustainment of mental health. By providing proper care, we help our heroes restore their well-being to assist them in their transition from the active service to civilian life," said Gapay during the event.

Zagala said the program dubbed as ‘Kaagapay ng Mga Bayani’ aims to provide goal-directed resilience and psychological interventions for mental health disorders of Army personnel.

"The MHRC, which is situated at the Army General Hospital ground floor outpatient wing, is designed to assist the PA in the prevention, early detection, treatment, and management of mental disorders; provide directed resilience training and post-traumatic stress disorder psychological interventions; conduct comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation for enlistment, promotion, schooling, and employment," he said.

"The PA’s mental health program is anchored on Republic Act No. 11036, also known as The Mental Health Act, which affirms the fundamental rights of people who require mental health services," he added.

It can be recalled that Winston Ragos, a retired Army corporal who was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was shot dead by a policeman at Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City last April 21.

Zagala said Ragos' death  "raised awareness and concern on the plight of soldiers suffering from mental health disorders incurred during their military service."

He said Gapay "ordered the Army staff to review existing policies and programs dealing with combat stress, trauma risk management and other health concerns related to mental health" of their soldiers. Robina Asido/DMS