In an interview on DZRH’s Breaktime, Mark Frasco, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson of Barangay Tres, Talakag, Bukidnon, shared insights into their innovative mental health program called "I-istorya."
This initiative aims to raise mental health awareness and provide much-needed support to the community, focusing on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Frasco explained that the "I-istorya" program, which translates to "saving lives, one conversation at a time," serves as a mental health support helpline and chatline.
"Ito ay isang innovative mental health support helpline at chatline na nakadisenyo para magbigay ng mga advice. Ito po ay isang platform na kung saan pwedeng magbigay ng message ang ating mga kapatid na gustong humingi ng advices sa ating mga trained mental health first aiders," he shared.
The service operates daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, offering a safe space for those seeking advice or simply needing someone to talk to.
Frasco emphasized the importance of creating a community that is "stigma-free and empowering." This personal connection to mental health advocacy stems from his own experience of overcoming mental health challenges with the support of his family and friends.
What sets I-istorya apart is that the mental health support comes from within their SK team. Frasco proudly shared that their SK Secretary is a psychology graduate, their Treasurer is a registered health care worker, and one of their SK Kagawad members, a registered criminologist, ensures data privacy and confidentiality for all participants.
Frasco also revealed that there are plans to expand the reach of the program. "May napagusapan na sa aming LGU at napagsabihan na rin ako ng aming Congressman sa aming distrito na iri-replicate ang aming programa para mas malawak pa ang maserbisyuhan."
The SK chairman expressed openness to sharing the I-istorya program with other communities and LGUs, recognizing its potential to provide critical mental health support.
Despite the initial challenges, Frasco encouraged other youth leaders and communities to take the first step in creating similar programs, citing the help of government agencies and other partners as key to their success.
"It’s very difficult po sa pagsisimula lamang but once na nandon na kayo, pag nasimulan na yung unang step, magtutuloy-tuloy na 'yon," he shared.
The I-istorya program stands as a testament to the power of youth leadership in addressing important social issues like mental health, offering a model that can inspire other communities to act and support those in need.
