26/01/2026
January 20–23, 2025 | Provincial Social Hall, Capitol Complex, Marawi City
Under the leadership of Governor Dr. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., and through the Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Princess Elham A. Sacar, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, in partnership with the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office and key stakeholders, successfully conducted the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Basic Training and Training of Trainers (TOT) for the 39 Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) of Marawi City.
Anchored on the principles of the WHO Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency Settings, the DOH National Mental Health Program, and the BARMM Ministry of Health Mental Health Framework, the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of frontline responders to deliver humane, culturally responsive, faith-sensitive, and people-centered psychosocial support during disasters, emergencies, and crisis situations.
Uniquely enriched with Islamic teachings and perspectives, the program emphasized the values of compassion (rahmah), resilience (sabr), and collective responsibility (ukhuwwah) as foundational pillars of mental health and disaster response. This integration reflects the Meranaw identity and reinforces a faith-based approach to healing, dignity, and community recovery.
Through this capacity-building initiative, participants were equipped with essential knowledge and skills in basic mental health concepts, Stress and Psychological First Aid (SFA/PFA), and functional referral mechanisms, while the Training of Trainers (TOT) component ensured sustainability by empowering trained responders to cascade MHPSS knowledge and skills to their respective municipalities and communities.
This initiative marks a significant step toward building a holistic, integrated, and sustainable mental health system within disaster risk reduction and management in Lanao del Sur—where healing is not only physical but also psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual.
🕌 Program Opening and Leadership
The program formally opened with an inspirational message delivered by Al-Alim Ansary Angnie Abdulmalik, Chairperson of the Provincial Ulama Council and Provincial Mental Health Coordinator, who highlighted the vital role of faith, compassion, and spiritual resilience in promoting mental well-being and supporting communities affected by disasters and crises.
The activity was led and coordinated by Johanna B. Mangadang, RN, MPA, Mental Health Focal Person of the Provincial Health Office, ensuring the effective implementation of the training in alignment with national, regional, and global mental health frameworks. In her message, she emphasized that:
“Today’s training is more than an event—it is a shared commitment to strengthen mental health services for communities affected by disasters, trauma, and recovery. While physical response is essential, healing does not end when the disaster is over. Mental health support is crucial—before, during, and after emergencies. One conversation can save a life, and one safe space can restore dignity.”
A message of support was delivered by Provincial DRRM Officer Sir Shaminoden M. Sambitory, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health and psychosocial support into disaster risk reduction and management systems.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Johanna Casan-Adiong of the Provincial Health Office, who underscored the significance of sustained capacity-building and multi-sectoral collaboration in strengthening mental health services across the province.
🎓 Resource Speakers and Academic Partnership
The training was enriched by the invaluable contributions of esteemed resource speakers from the Panginam Healing and Wellness Center, Mindanao State University – Main Campus, led by Dr. Aminoding B. Limpao, Center Head and Lead Facilitator, and Aleem Shanolah Ali Rasuman, faculty member of the King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic, and Asian Studies.
Their integration of psychological science and Islamic teachings provided a holistic framework for mental health and psychosocial support, strengthening culturally responsive and faith-sensitive approaches to healing and resilience in disaster contexts.