DAVAO CITY – The Department of Health has stepped up its mental health and psychosocial support operations in Davao Oriental following the recent twin earthquakes.

Dr. Clarence Nuval, head of the DOH-11 Mental Health Cluster, said a team was deployed to Mati City, Davao Oriental, to provide psychological first aid and assess cases of depression, panic, and anxiety among residents.

Nuval said the interventions focus on survivors who sustained injuries, lost loved ones, or suffered property damage, as they are more vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The department conducted a refresher course on Wednesday, Oct. 15, for more than 190 barangay health workers and local mental health and psychosocial support providers in Davao Oriental to strengthen local capacity.

"The training included patient referral procedures to ensure individuals needing specialized mental health care are attended to promptly," Nuval said.

Nuval said the activity reflected local health workers' growing commitment to address mental and physical health needs.

He noted that part of their current work involves assisting first responders, including teachers, who experienced emotional strain during the disaster response.

“A bulk of the work that we do right now is about providing care for the carers,” he said, emphasizing the importance of early mental health interventions, warning that psychological distress could persist if left untreated.

Nuval said they are coordinating with partners, including the Psychological Association of the Philippines, to sustain the delivery of psychosocial services in quake-hit areas.

“Our goal is to bring health – both physical and mental – closer to the people, especially in times of crisis,” Nuval said.