Taal eruption victims need mental health support, too —Hontiveros

The families affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano need not just food and hygiene kits, but mental health support as well, Senator Risa Hontiveros said Sunday.

In a statement, Hontiveros stressed the need to provide mental health assistance for adults who are worried about the loss of their homes and livelihoods as well as children who do not fully understand the situation they are in.

“Nawalan ng bahay at hanapbuhay ang marami nating mga kababayan. Malaki ang stress na dulot nito,” she said. “Para naman sa mga bata, maaaring hindi nila lubos na naiintindihan ang mga nangyayari.”

“Psychological and psychosocial support should be part of disaster response. I urge the Department of Health to mobilize mental health professionals and volunteers to respond to this need,” Hontiveros added.

Under the Philippine Mental Health Law authored by the senator, mental health response is part of disaster response.

“We need to make sure that our survivors are able to cope well,” she said.

Hontiveros said that children may engage in play therapy in evacuation centers.

She added that she is in talks with a number of mental health professionals who are willing to assist the evacuees.

Hontiveros is also set to visit evacuation centers in Batangas on Sunday to distribute 2,500 relief packs, bottled water, and ready-to-eat food.

According to the latest data from the national disaster management council, over 70,000 individuals from Batangas, Laguna, and Cavite are currently taking shelter in 300 evacuation centers after the Taal Volcano’s phreatic or steam-driven eruption last Sunday. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LBG, GMA News