Pantawid members given tips on how to cope with pandemic

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Aside from providing financial assistance to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) is also helping 4Ps members cope with the pandemic. 

Randie de Gracia, DSWD-7 Family Development Session (FDS) focal person, said that they were encouraging 4Ps or Pantawid members to take care of their mental health through the program’s family sessions.

He said that this sessions, which would gather the beneficiaries once a month to discuss development topics, were important amid the health crisis that the country had been facing due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Joining the family sessions is also one of the conditions of the 4Ps to its beneficiaries.

Read: DSWD continues to conduct family sessions for 4Ps members

He said that due to the pandemic, many are experiencing anxiety, depression, and fear of getting sick or dying, and be brought to the hospital or health centers because they might contract the virus.

Some are also afraid to lose their job and be quarantined for 14 days.

“Dunay uban mahadlok nga mabuwag ug mawagtangan ug minahal sa kinabuhi tungod sa virus. Ang uban, bation ug kalaay, kasubo ug mawad-an ug paglaum,” De Gracia said.

He added that the pandemic has also brought stress to other people, due to fear of being suspected of having the symptoms of the virus; and in assuring the safety of their child and grandparents, who are vulnerable to COVID-19; and among others.

Due to this, De Gracia advised pantawid members to overcome these fears brought by the pandemic through communicating to the person whom they trusted the most.

Read: Mental health toll of pandemic ‘devastating’ – WHO

He also advised them to continue their communication with their families and friends through text, call, email, or social media.

“Paningkamutan nato nga magpabiling himsog ug lig-on ang atong resistensiya pinaagi sa sakto nga pagkaon, bitamina, paugnat sa kusog, pahulay ug pag-inom ug tubig.

He also advised them to get the proper information against COVID-19 from credible sources and avoid watching things that may cause stress to them.

He added that those who are experiencing mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, and depression may also seek professional advice from the National Center for Mental Health through their hotline: (02) 989-USAP (8727); (02) 8531-9001; and 0917899-USAP; or through the Department of Health hotline: 1555/(02) 894-COVID (26843)./dbs