THE DEPARTMENT of Education’s Central Office Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service held a storytelling and psychological support activity at the Jose Rizal Elementary School in Pasay City.

The department initiated the TALAKAYAN Kasama Si Ready Kid, an interactive storytelling and psychosocial support activity that discusses the topic of mental health in relation to disaster experiences or unexpected events.

The program aims to strengthen the implementation and practice of psychosocial support for students and boost their awareness of the importance of mental health.

The activity was attended by students from urban poor communities to encourage inclusivity.

“Isa sa pinakamensahe namin dito sa ginagawa ng DepEd ay ang pag-aalaga po natin sa ating mga sarili. Kaya sinasabi na “it’s okay not to be okay” ay dahil hindi naman tayo mga superhero. Pero may paraan para ma-manage natin ang ating mga nararamdaman, kasama na dyan ang nararamdaman ng ating mga anak,” DRRMS Director Ronilda Co said.

“Kaya ‘yun ang ating mensahe, ang pag-aalaga sa sarili at pag-aalaga sa kapwa, lalong-lalo na sa ating mga anak at sa ating mga pamilya,” she added.

The activity was carried out in collaboration with the Schools Division Office in Pasay City, DepEd NCR, UNICEF, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., and Plan International.