Psychological teams deployed to aid quake survivors in north

The government has begun deploying psychometricians and psychosocial responders across Northern Cebu to help earthquake survivors cope with trauma and stress, marking a crucial shift from rescue to recovery following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

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Mental health care has become a top priority as communities continue to endure aftershocks and emotional distress.

"We are now in the recovery phase, and that includes mental health—especially for those who lost loved ones and for our exhausted health workers," said Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-VII) Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brilliantes.

"We've started deploying psychosocial teams to various areas. We urge everyone to remain vigilant, especially with the ongoing aftershocks."

Teams of psychometricians and mental health professionals from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Center for Behavioral Health have already arrived in San Remigio Gym to conduct psychological debriefings and post-earthquake interventions.

Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, daughter of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, confirmed that additional teams from DOH Manila will be deployed in the coming days to continue the mission of healing and support.