The city government has partnered with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) to promote the importance of mental health awareness among Dagupeños.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the city Public Information Office (PIO) said the free mental health lectures will be conducted in the three program components of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) through the Dagupan City Population Office.

“Among the PPMP programs are responsible parenthood and family planning, adolescent health and development, and population and development integration,” the PIO said.

Based on the signed memorandum between the city government and the PMHA, the latter will conduct lectures for couples undergoing pre-marriage orientation and counseling seminars; teen mothers and fathers; and even to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.

“PMHA will also hold school-based or online lectures for high school students about stress management and mental health,” the PIO added.

They will also be in charge of the capability building of the city population staff and the barangay service point officers-volunteers.

The memorandum was signed Monday by Mayor Marc Brian Lim and PMHA chapter chairman Erly Datario, as well as city population officer Malen Bernadette Pilon and PMHA chapter executive manager Michael Romero as witnesses.

PMHA is a private organization campaigning for mental health awareness and how to prevent different kinds of mental health disorders. (PNA)