PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) embolden their digital wellness and child online protection initiatives by holding the Better Today Psychological First Aid (PFA) program in Visayas, in partnership with international sports for development organization Football for Humanity (FFH).
“We at PLDT and Smart are happy to bring our digital wellness initiatives to Visayas and upskill coaches and educators to become more capable first responders to the mental health-related concerns of our Filipino children and youth, especially those who are survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children or OSAEC,” said Marylou B. Gocotano, Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations head at PLDT and Smart.
In collaboration with FFH, Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare and Development Office, and Lapu-Lapu City College (LLCC), PLDT and Smart conducted a two-day PFA training for FFH coach-volunteers across Visayas and LLCC faculty members, equipping them with necessary knowledge on the proper ways of providing initial non-intrusive, practical support to individuals experiencing psychological distress.
Riyan Portuguez, popularly known as Your Millennial Psychologist, facilitated the training. Participants learned how to identify people’s basic needs and listen to their distress, as well as basic referral techniques and self-care reminders.
“FFH is honored to partner with PLDT and Smart, LGU Lapu-Lapu City, and millennial psychologist Riyan Portuguez so that we can all work towards being more “whole” individuals, who are ready to help our families, colleagues and friends in their journey to wholeness. Life is always challenging us, and the PFA training gives us more confidence to be more sensitive and authentic coaches, teachers, parents and friends,” said Belle Tiongco, FFH Vice President and Co-founder.
The session also included a talk on understanding trauma conducted by Restore Children and Family Services, a nonprofit organization that gives support for young trauma victims, to further explain the possible causes and results of traumatic experiences and how to provide trauma-informed care.
“Through this workshop, I was able to assess my ways of providing PFA to my players and other coaches. Glad to know that there are appropriate approaches that I am already practicing. This is a good way to improve ourselves and be better PFA providers in our community,” said Peter Lim, FFH coach from Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
PLDT and Smart’s effort to deploy programs designed to uplift and improve the mental and overall digital wellness of Filipinos is part of the group’s commitment to help the Philippines contribute to UNSDG No. 3 on good health and well-being.
