In collaboration with PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the city government of Cagayan de Oro recently conducted a mental health training and self-care orientation for Kagay-anon youth leaders. Spearheaded by the Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO) and the United States Agency for International Development, the two-day event taught the participants about mental well-being and how to provide mental health assistance to others in need.

In time for the Oro Youth Month, the initiative is part of the month-long activities of the local government dedicated to increase awareness about mental health and break the stigma surrounding it. OYDO’s Youth Development Officer AJ Obenza said, “Given the concerning increase in mental health cases in the city, the local government has been actively enhancing its mental health initiatives. The mental health trainings organized by OYDO will empower organizations and youth leaders to become advocates in their communities and schools.”

“We thank Smart and other partners who have helped us in the pursuit of youth development. We are doing this to assure the Kagay-anon youth that we will always be here to serve them,” he added.  

Through their Better Today program, PLDT and Smart have been advocating for creating safe spaces online and encouraging youth mental health conversations. The group recently provided support to OYDO through a digital empowerment workshop, enabling the youth organizations to produce inspiring content and strengthen their mental health digital campaign.

These efforts are part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly UNSDG #3 that stands for good health and well-being.