POLA, Oriental Mindoro — Police in Pola have launched a mental health-based crime prevention program to help identify students showing signs of distress and prevent violent incidents in schools.
In partnership with local government Mayor Jennifer "Ina Alegre" Cruz, Pola Municipal Police Station chief PCpt. Bernie Ortega launched Project Gabay-Kaisipan, an initiative that integrates mental health awareness into crime prevention.
The program aims to help students recognize early signs of distress or intense emotional struggles and connect them with appropriate professional support.
"Ito po ay isang makabagong sistema sa pampublikong kaligtasan na nag-uugnay sa kalusugang mental at pag-iwas sa krimen sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng Psychological First Aid," said Ortega.
Ortega said the project is part of IMPLAN KATATAGAN — PNP Youth Mental Health Awareness Plan, which integrates mental health awareness into crime prevention through Psychological First Aid (PFA).
He said PFA focuses on three key principles: presence, safety, and bridging — being present for students, helping them feel safe, and serving as a bridge to the appropriate assistance they may need.
Project Gabay-Kaisipan consists of 13 modules that underwent review and evaluation by an educational psychologist from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Ortega emphasized that the project is not intended to diagnose mental health conditions.
Similar to basic first aid, the initiative is designed to identify and document observable symptoms, behaviors, or actions that may indicate that a student needs further assistance.
The information gathered will serve as a guide for the appropriate referral process, which may involve licensed psychologists, health professionals, police officers, or social workers.
The program also includes three modules for parents and barangay officials, focusing on positive parenting and family psychology. The modules aim to help adults better understand and listen to children.
"Natuturuan natin kung papaano naman po tannggapin at makinig doon sa problema ng mga kabataan ngayon, ang itinuturo dito ay yung family psychology at yung positive parenting," Ortega said.
Three modules can be delivered in a 30-minute session, with two sessions to be conducted in each participating school. Ortega said the sessions will be held only during break periods in accordance with Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines.
To ensure proper implementation, police personnel assigned to the program will first undergo instructor’s training under the supervision of an educational psychologist.
The initiative seeks to strengthen early identification and referral while providing schools, families, barangay officials, and law enforcement personnel with a common approach to supporting students who may be experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties.