Cebu, Philippines — October 2025. The BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has partnered with Paglaum Mental Health Support Group and Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS) Inc. to launch a pioneering community-based mental health campaign.
This initiative addresses one of the Philippines’ most urgent yet often overlooked issues — the lack of accessible, stigma-free mental health services in grassroots communities, despite the passage of the Philippine Mental Health Act (R.A. 11036).
Bridging the Mental Health Gap
According to the Department of Health (DOH), around 3.6 million Filipinos experience mental, neurological, or substance-use disorders. Yet, the country faces a severe shortage of trained professionals, with fewer than one mental health worker per 100,000 people.
In Cebu, the Barangay Behavioral Health Unit in Lahug has reported a surge in cases of anxiety, depression, and suicide-related calls — underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Empowering Barangay Health Workers Through Training
To close this gap, the BingoPlus Foundation rolled out a two-part capacity-building program for community health workers, teachers, and barangay leaders.
The training focused on three key areas:
- Foundational knowledge on mental health and psychosocial support.
- Practical skills such as psychological first aid, active listening, and referral pathways.
- Culturally sensitive approaches to reduce stigma and promote early help-seeking.
From July 31 to August 1, 2025, the Foundation trained 52 barangay health and nutrition workers as community-level mental health first responders, in collaboration with the Mandaue City Health Department.
“As a barangay health worker, I now feel more confident talking to residents about their struggles. Before, I didn’t know what to say. Now I know how to listen and guide them to the right support,” shared Analisa Patindol, Barangay Health Worker from Tingub.
Raising Awareness and Building Compassionate Communities
Beyond training, the Foundation will launch barangay-level awareness caravans, aiming to reach up to 100 residents per session. These interactive sessions focus on well-being, family dynamics, and breaking mental health stigma, ensuring that conversations on mental health become part of daily community life.
“Mental health is often overlooked in grassroots communities, yet the need is urgent,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation.
“By equipping local health workers and educators with the right tools, we are helping communities become more compassionate and resilient. This is how we bring the vision of the Philippine Mental Health Act to life — making care accessible, community-based, and a basic right for every Filipino.”
Expanding Reach Across the Philippines
Cebu and General Santos City were chosen as pilot sites based on data from partner organizations and local health dialogues indicating high demand for mental health interventions.
Following these pilots, the BingoPlus Foundation plans to expand its training and awareness caravans to Metro Manila and other priority regions, strengthening the Philippines’ community-level mental health response system.
About BingoPlus Foundation
BingoPlus Foundation is the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a pioneer in digital entertainment in the Philippines.
Its mission is to “multiply the good” by implementing programs that uplift communities and build a digitally advanced, resilient nation.
Learn more: https://bingoplus.ph/blog/
