With distance learning taking its toll among learners, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte and the Department of Education (DepEd) in Laoag City have merged their two programs to address the mental health and well-being of young learners.

To formalize the partnership, a resolution was unanimously approved by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday authorizing Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the DepEd Laoag City, represented by Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda, for the provision of mental health support services in the province.

For learners who are burned out or those who are lacking the motivation to accomplish the activities in their modules, Eda said, “it’s okay to not feel okay and it’s definitely okay to ask for help.”

At the DepEd Laoag, Project HOPELine 24/7 is reaching out to its students by calling their registered phone numbers, asked them about their issues and concerns about homeschooling, and provide them with free and appropriate guidance and counseling including other forms of support.

On a random basis, the school’s medical team and school nurses will be keeping in touch with all learners to check on them every month.

Of the total enrolled students in the city, Eda said around 549 learners have already been validated and on top of their major concern is the need for gadgets.

“We are getting feedback from our students that they are hard up in their lessons and they need gadgets such as laptop, cellphone or tablet (with reliable internet) for research,” said Eda citing there may be some other problems affecting them as a result of the distance learning program, which students including teachers are still apparently struggling to keep up with under the new set up.

With the support from the Ilocos Norte government, particularly from the Communications and Media Office (CMO), Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office, and the Gender and Development Office — which are at the forefront of advocating for mental health awareness in the province — young learners are assured they are not alone and they have someone to talk if they need it, said Rhona Ysabel Daoang, head of the CMO.

“Since October last year, the provincial government’s “Speak Up, I’m Here,” communication hotline has responded to almost 100 callers from Ilocos Norte including outside the province as far as Zamboanga as well as in the provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur,” she said.

Aside from responding to callers who are experiencing anxiety and depression among other mental health concerns, Daoang said they have also partnered with certified counseling professionals across the province as part of the helpline team and administer psychological crisis interventions.

They also conduct series of activities including face-to-face consultations, uploading videos on mental health, symposia, or webinars, and opening a 24/7 hotline service that seeks professional mental advice.

With this, struggling learners in the province can likewise take advantage of the program as the DepEd and the Ilocos Norte government share the same objective.

For someone who wishes to speak up about anything, the Ilocos Norte helpline numbers are open for counseling. These are 0921-952-9236 for Smart, Talk and Text, and Sun cellular subscribers, and 0966-461-0706 for Globe and Touch Mobile subscribers.

The DepEd Laoag’s hotline is also available with these numbers: 0909-623-5316, 0921-468-7842, 0933-877-6161, 0906-568-3084. (PNA)