Program for youth resilience from depression, fear and uncertainty launched
By J. Jala, Helen Castano|03:10 PM October 15, 2020
Bohol paused at 8: 12 a.m. on Thursday Oct. 15, to mark the seventh anniversary of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that devastated the province in 2013.
At 8:12 a.m., the moment the earthquake hit, bells rang, and in the capital the sirens came to halt for 33 seconds.
For the the past years, residents and officials have gathered at churches in towns heavily affected by the earthquake to pray, while in Tagbilaran, the government held a main memorial attended by officials.
This year, memorial events have been called off as mass gatherings are not allowed as part of measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
Thursday’s commemoration was to remember not only the terror and fear but also the bravery, courage and resolve of the Boholanos.
A Holy Mass was held at the ceremonial hall at New Capitol Building with selected leaders and guests who wore face masks.
It was followed by the launching of the provincial government’s “Laum” Program advocating mental health and well-being.
According to Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, “Laum” is the provincial government’s multi-sectoral response to use advocacy, information, education, counseling, sports, training, livelihood financing and culture and the arts to reach out, to aid and to capacitate those who need a lifeline in this dark and troubling times.
“What better way to mark this occasion of the seventh Great Bohol Earthquake than by launching a program dedicated to building up the resiliency of the Boholano by extending hand for the weak, the faceless, the voiceless and most especially the youth of Bohol as part of these faceless, voiceless and weak who need our assistance because of this hard time brought by the pandemic,” said Yap.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) said the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety.
“The youth of Bohol who, because of these hard times brought about by the pandemic, are suffering loneliness, depression, violence, poverty, fear and uncertainty,” Yap said.
“There is no better way to dedicate this effort to build a more resilient and strong Boholano because in the coming days there will continue to be tragedies that we will be confronting,” said Yap.
Yap signed Executive Order No. 50 instituting the “Laum” Bohol Program and led the pledge of commitment joined by the different sectors to support this progam for the youth.
Six phones and simcards were turned over to be used for the 24/7 suicide hotline at the “Amoma” Center.
The launching was also attended by
Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos, Rep. Edgar Chatto, board members Aldner Damalerio and Frans Garcia, SK-Bohol federated president Victor Christian Bolos III, Loon Mayor Elvi Peter Relampagos, Atty. Abel Damalerio and provincial administrator Kathyrin Fe Pioquinto.
Former Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II, department heads, national agencies and youth organization also attended the event.
