CATBALOGAN CITY – Forty-six child development workers from the different barangays in Catbalogan City were trained to conduct Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) during disasters through a series of talks and workshops facilitated by Samar State University (SSU) extensionists in partnership with the Catbalogan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) on September 13-14 (21).

Daycare teachers from Barangay Canlapwas, Mombon, Guinsorongan, Basiao, Pangdan, Guinsorongan, Payao, Munoz, San Pablo, Mercedes, Poblacion 13, Poblacion 10, Poblacion 3, Poblacion 4, Poblacion 6, Poblacion 9, Poblacion 8, Guindapunan, Silanga, Palanyogon, Estaka, New Mahayag, Old Mahayag, Buri, Cabugawan, San Roques, Ibol, Darahuway Daco, Bunu-anan, Canhawan, Buluan, Salug, and Iguid were taught of Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being, Principles of Psychosocial Support, the Psychological First Aid (PFA), the Basic Counselling Skills, How to Handle People Showing Elevated Symptoms, and Practicing Self-Care.

According to Dr. Mae V. Cañal, Registered Guidance Counselor and Director of the SSU Student Welfare and Development Services (SWDS), they were chosen as participants because daycare workers are usually tapped to aid the community during disasters.

“You were chosen as our participants because you need this and your community needs Psychosocial First Aid during disasters, and no one could immediately help your community but you,” she stated.

Dr. Cañal and Ms. Junelle R. Guerra, Psychologist and SSU’s Training Coordinator served as speakers of the two-day training.

Also present as facilitators of the training were Mrs. Joan J. Baclay, Mrs. Mary Jane Cinco, Ms. Cristina Hamo-ay, Ms. Rachel Nacionales, Ms. Jessa Pacoma, and Ms. Elma C. Sultan from SSU.