THE JAPAN International Cooperation Agency has given the Department of Social Welfare and Development mental health books for children.

JICA Philippines Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto turned over 1,500 copies of the books “Sarilaysay” and “Ang mga  Eroplanong Papel” to DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista.

The books will be distributed to children in DSWD-managed care facilities in the National Capital Region and the Council for the Welfare of Children.

Some of the books will also be given to children of the recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, DSWD Social Marketing Service Officer-in-Charge Irene Dumlao said.

The Department of Health estimated that at least 3.6 million Filipinos are dealing with mental health concerns such as depression, substance use disorders like alcoholism and bipolar disorder because of the pandemic.