Naga City opens permanent mental health hub

The Naga City government has opened a permanent mental health hub to expand counseling services and strengthen support for residents seeking mental health care.

Mayor Leni Robredo announced the inauguration of the new facility, which will serve as the home of the city's ANGAT KAHIMATI Mental Health Program.

The program began in 2024 through a partnership among Angat Buhay, Councilor Gayle Abonal Gomez, and the Ateneo de Naga Department of Psychology. It initially operated from the former Angat Buhay Office before transferring to a room at the Jesse Robredo Center for Good Governance.

After Robredo assumed office, the city government decided to adopt ANGAT KAHIMATI as an official city program and looked for a permanent space for counseling sessions.

“When I assumed office, we wanted to adopt it as a City Program and we wanted a more permanent and appropriate space for our Mental Health Counselling Sessions,” she said.

The new hub was established in the former Green Room on the third floor of the Raul S. Roco Library, a space that had previously been used as an extension of the mayor's office.

According to Robredo, the facility was renovated without cost to the city government.

“We were able to transform the place without cost to the City Government. Thanks to the Angat Buhay partners,” she said.

She also thanked the Ateneo de Naga Department of Psychology, psychiatrist Dr. Apons Belmonte, and other partners for helping establish the program.

The city government said the new hub will strengthen the services of the Mental Health Unit at City Health Office II and provide a more suitable venue for mental health counseling sessions. —Vincent John Abordo/GMA Regional TV News