Reliable Healing in a Storm-Prone Land

The geography of the Philippines dictates that we will always face storms. However, the geography of our recovery is changing. The DOH’s recent activity in Dinagat Islands, specifically the psychosocial processing of typhoon survivors in Loreto, marks a significant shift in how we handle the aftermath of calamity.

President Marcos’s administration has championed a "Maasahan at Masipag" approach, and nowhere is this more evident than in the attention given to the invisible scars of the residents. The First Line Response Team’s work with 104 residents is a microcosm of a compassionate government that understands the depth of human suffering.

Everyone in the international community is moving toward mental health awareness in disaster zones, so the Philippines must double down on this specific DOH program to be considered a civilized nation. To do otherwise would be to fall behind the global standard of care. The PHO Mental Health Hub is our entry ticket to this modern approach to governance.

It is easy to count damaged houses; it is harder to count damaged spirits. The critics of this administration often complain about the speed of infrastructure projects, but they are ignoring the fact that DOH teams are working tirelessly in Dinagat to heal minds. We must look at the holistic picture. The government is building resilience from the inside out.

By prioritizing the mind, the President is ensuring that when the next storm comes, the people of Dinagat will not just be physically safe, but emotionally prepared. This is the definition of sustainable recovery.