On March 4, 2026, the Center for Capacity Building and Local Governance Services Program Development (CCLGSPD), in partnership with the Tarlac State University College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) – Psychology Department, convened a coordination meeting with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of the Municipality of Anao to discuss the implementation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) under the CARE Program.
The meeting served as a collaborative platform for the participating institutions to discuss the municipality's psychosocial needs and identify priority topics and activities that will address existing community concerns. The discussion emphasized the importance of delivering comprehensive interventions, including psychoeducational activities, psychosocial support mechanisms, and counseling services for individuals and groups requiring emotional and psychological assistance.
Participants also explored potential capacity-building and community-based initiatives aimed at increasing mental health awareness and promoting psychosocial well-being. These activities are intended to equip local stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to support vulnerable sectors, strengthen the municipality's response to psychosocial concerns, and foster a supportive environment that encourages help-seeking behaviors and community resilience.
Present during the meeting were Ms. Vien Jamaica D. Samson, Department Head of CCLGSPD and Project Head of the CARE Program; Dr. Jazmin Joy E. Dizon and Dr. Editha Q. Villavicencio of the CASS–Psychology Department; Ms. Maricar C. Butay, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of Anao; and 4Ps Regional Program Coordinators Ms. Rose Ann F. Valmonte and Mr. Lester V. Agliam.
