Mandaue rolls out mental health program for law enforcers

The Mandaue City Government, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO), is offering mental health sessions for law enforcement personnel across the city.

- Kristin de Dios/FPL

SAMHSO Officer-in-Charge Niño Krisbayani Dargantes said the initiative aims to help the city better understand the challenges faced by law enforcers.

“Makabalo ta unsay mga problema sa atong mga law enforcers,” Dargantes said in an interview.

Once these concerns are identified, he said, the team will work on appropriate interventions, including teaching personnel how to manage stress and regulate their emotions effectively.

Dargantes emphasized the need to “humanize” law enforcers, noting that while they are frontliners, they are often expected to appear perpetually strong.

“Strong atong tan-aw nila, which is unfair sa ilaha kay tao sad baya sila,” he said, adding that the program encourages personnel to recognize their emotions and vulnerabilities.