Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region VI – Western Visayas
DIVISION OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
DON SIMPLICIO LIZARES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Barangay Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental

RATIONALE

In an age where people, especially those who juggle various familial and work
responsibilities, have to face life amid a continuing pandemic, the local government of Talisay
City in Negros Occidental, led by Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares, lives up to its
mandate of helping ensure the mental health of its residents and stakeholders.

The local government’s City Health Office (CHO), is the primary implementer of its
mental health programs and advocacies, which range from, among others, (i)
guidance/counseling services; (ii) prescription of relevant medicines; and (iii) information
dissemination/capacity building for partner agencies and organizations.

Led by Dr. Joy Gladys Guanzon, among the CHO’s recent notable achievements include
a comprehensive discussion on the various aspects of mental health, entitled, “Resilience and
Well-Being”, for Talisay City educators, held via an online platform on December 21, 2020, and
which featured Dr. Calvin D. Gano from the University of St. La Salle.

Another discussion relative to mental health was conducted on March 11, 2022, which
was led by CHO Nurse III Arlen Cortez, who focused on the topics of Depression and Stress
Management in a one-hour discussion for teachers and support staff within the Department of
Education’s (DepEd) Talisay City District III.

Taken as a whole, the mental health programs and initiatives of the Talisay City local
government is a consistent aspect of Mayor Lizares’ commitment to support the holistic well-
being of its stakeholders, especially, educators within its jurisdiction, who are at the forefront of
the DepEd’s unceasing efforts in pursuance of quality education.