The city of Puerto Princesa has partnered with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) in an effort to improve mental health services in the city and make mental health services accessible to the public.
Dr. Ralph Marco Flores, Chief for Health Systems Strengthening, Public Health and Population-based Services in the City Health Department said that they partnered with PMHA that will pave way for better access of mental health services to Puerto Princesans. He said that they will provide a space a space for PMHA at the newly-opened City Health and Medical Complex located in Rafols Road, Sta. Monica.
This new city health facility aims to significantly boost local healthcare by consolidating services, focusing on primary care, maternal/child health, diagnostics, and reducing health stigma, potentially through expanded facilities and programs offering a comprehensive hub for community well-being, to serve its vast city area better.
The PMHA-Palawan Chapter is an organization focuses on youth mental wellness through Peer Support Group Training, partnering with the City Health Department for youth-led initiatives, offering advocacy and awareness activities and promoting community community-based support to fight stigma, often leveraging social media and collaborating with schools and local organizations in the city. They are actively engaged in Puerto Princesa and throughout Palawan, engaging in youth-focused projects known as Project BRAVE in partnership with international organizations, community-based awareness campaigns (Project INDAY), training for peer support groups, online support, and participating in local health initiatives, showing strong engagement in promoting mental wellness in the city.
Recently, the Puerto Princesa City National Science High School Immersion Program has partnered with the PMHA-Palawan chapter in an activity advocating for mental health and providing psychosocial support in the community. The students were also given lecture-workshops on public speaking, crisis response and project proposal, as well as doing client calls, initial intake and assisting during psychiatric consultations.
Last November 2025, the PMHA Palawan Chapter conducted Mental Health Awareness and Managing Anxiety lectures to youth residents of Barangay Mandaragat facilitated by PMHA Chapter Board Member and GAD Guidance Counselor of the Palawan State University (PSU), Ms Glaiza T. Sebatna. The activity was made possible through the Barangay Mandaragat Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials led by SK Chairperson May Ann Tabinga.
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