10% church rule may help mental health amid pandemic –Pabillo

After Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra appealed to churches and spiritual leaders to provide counsel and guidance to their members who faced mental health problems amid the pandemic, Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Sunday emphasized that the Catholic Church was committed to addressing these mental health issues.

“Bigyan nila ng kakayahan na makatulong kami. Ibig sabihin yung papayagan yung mga tao with proper distancing sa mga simbahan,” Pabillo said in an interview on Radyo Veritas

“Tutulong kami pero payagan nila na yung mga tao ay makapasok sa simbahan,”he added.

In areas under a general community quarantine, the government imposed a 10-person limit on religious gatherings, from the previous limit of up to 10 percent of the venue’s capacity.

Pabillo, however, appealed for a return to the 10-percent capacity rule instead of the 10 person limit.

Citing his experience as a COVID-19 positive survivor, Pabillo emphasized how a “sense of community” provided consolation to those suffering from mental health problems due to the pandemic.

He said that participating in Church activities created this sense of community.

Guevarra made the appeal to religious leaders following a report of rising fatalities among Filipinos suffering from mental problems amid the COVID-19 pandemic. — DVM, GMA News