Marcos seeks mental health assessment for students after Mindanao earthquake

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government is ready to extend mental health support for students who were traumatized by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that recently struck Mindanao.

The President said this during his visit to General Santos City National High School—one of the areas damaged by the strong earthquake.

He said the Department of Health (DOH) has programs available that could help students cope with the experience.

“Yung kausap ko ‘yung mga teacher, at sinabi ko sa kanila, alalahanin nila na traumatizing itong experience para sa mga estudyante, para sa mga bata. So, bantayan din nila,” Marcos said.

(When I talked to the teachers I told them, they should remember that this was a traumatizing experience for the students, for the children. So, they should also keep an eye on them.)

“Kasi kung minsan hindi nagsasabi ‘yung bata. Kailangan, sabi ko, bantayan ninyo nang mabuti. ‘Pag may nakita kayo na nangangailangan ng tulong, puwede naman kami tumulong sa DOH,” he added.

(Because sometimes the children don’t say anything. I told them it's necessary to keep a close watch on these students. If they see someone who needs help, we can help at the DOH.)

The President said the teachers will also be given specialized training to help them identify and assist students experiencing trauma and stress.

“‘Yung mga teacher mismo ang gagawin nila, meron silang training after this. Magte-training sila para diyan, precisely para makausap and provide a little therapy sa ating mga estudyante. That is one of the main concerns. Kung minsan hindi masyadong napapag-usapan ‘yan,” Marcos said.

(The teachers will have training after this. They will be training precisely to be able to talk to students and provide a little therapy to them. That is one of the main concerns. Sometimes that is being overlooked.)

During the opening of classes on Monday, June 8, a major earthquake hit Maasim, Sarangani that was felt in different areas in Mindanao and left several students horrified on their first day of school.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked Sarangani and nearby provinces at 7:37 a.m., when most schools were in the middle of conducting flag ceremonies.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier said that more than 3.2 million students were affected by the powerful earthquake.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Bureau of Fire Protection said the number of fatalities from the earthquake had risen to 53. — RSJ, GMA News