Philippines: Cebu Archdiocese delivers psychological de-stress briefing to earthquake survivors

As the Archdiocese of Cebu, Philippines, continues to distribute relief goods such as rice, water, mats, medicines, and other essential items to the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that devastated northern Cebu on September 30, a parallel initiative has been launched to help survivors cope with the psychological toll of the disaster. This initiative is carried out under the Cebu Archdiocesan Relief and Rehabilitation Unit (RRU).

The RRU collaborates with lay professionals, including clinical psychologists, members of the archdiocesan clergy, seminarians, representatives from the Redemptorist community, ecumenical groups, and lay volunteers from various parishes.

Speaking with Radio Veritas Asia, RRU head Rev. Fr. Charles Jayme said that the team has conducted psychological de-stress briefings for around 228 beneficiaries in the towns of Medellin, San Remigio, Bantayan, and Daanbantayan, where many victims experienced anxiety and trauma caused by widespread injuries, food scarcity, and disruption of basic services. He added that economic hardship and continued aftershocks have prolonged the suffering of some survivors, leading to depression.

According to Fr. Jayme, during the psycho-social debriefing sessions, survivors are encouraged to recall their experiences of the September 30 earthquake and reflect on how they coped with its impact.

Mental health experts note that the social and economic consequences of natural disasters often result in feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness, emotions commonly reported among survivors.

Fr. Jayme, who also serves as Vice Rector and Dean of Studies at San Carlos Seminary College, explained that a sympathetic listener helps survivors open up, after which the RRU team provides words of comfort and counseling. In cases of intense grief or trauma, a clinical psychologist steps in to offer professional intervention.

Next week, the RRU team will visit Barangay Binabag in Bogo City, where eleven people, including eight children, died in a landslide. The victims were laid to rest in a mass grave on September 8, amid the wailing of grieving families and relatives.

The Archdiocesan intervention comes at a fitting time, as the world observes World Mental Health Day on October 10, an annual global awareness event initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health to promote mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. The day seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage open conversations about mental health challenges.

(Malou Guanzon-Apalisok is a freelance journalist based in the Philippines who contributes regularly to Radio Veritas Asia.)