Cavite Gov. Athena Tolentino Highlights Landmark Mental Health Ordinance

Cavite Gov. Athena Tolentino Highlights Landmark Mental Health Ordinance

TAGAYTAY CITY: Cavite Governor Athena Tolentino reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to mental health through a social media post highlighting the province’s first institutionalized mental health support system.

In a Facebook post titled “Mental Health Matters: A Promise That Stood Firm,” Tolentino recalled her long-standing advocacy for mental health, which began during her time as a city councilor in Tagaytay and continued throughout her term as vice governor.

“Even in a short time, we made sure no one felt alone. We did what we could because mental wellness is just as important as physical health,” Tolentino said.

Under her leadership, Cavite enacted Provincial Ordinance No. 469-2024, which formally established a province-wide mental health support system through the HealthISIP Cavite program. The ordinance, crafted in collaboration with local government units, the provincial board, and healthcare workers, seeks to provide accessible and sustainable mental health services across communities.

The program includes:

• Free consultations and medicines at selected health centers
• Community-based counseling services
• Psychological First Aid (PFA) training for frontliners and barangay responders
• Support sessions for students and teachers
• A referral system linking patients to hospitals and local health offices

Tolentino, a psychology graduate, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders involved, including mental health professionals, volunteers, students, and local officials who supported the passage and implementation of the ordinance.

“Mahalaga ka. Sapat ka. Hindi ka nag-iisa. Sa Cavite, seryoso ang alaga at tulong,” she added, emphasizing the province’s commitment to compassion-driven governance.