Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates spearheaded an important collaboration as the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and the Provincial Government of Palawan formally inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday, November 20.
This further solidified ther partnership under the “Sugpuin Iligal Na Droga: Palaweño’y Aasenso, Susulong sa Progreso- Community Aftercare and Reintegration Enhancement for Sustainability (SPS-CARES)” program.
Joined by NCMH Medical Chief II Dr. Noel V. Reyes and SPS CARES– PADAP Program Director Eduardo Modesto V. Rodriguez, the signing aims to strengthen the capabilities of program personnel through technical support and training.
Special emphasis will be placed on addressing the medical needs of Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) with comorbidities in Palawan, with a focus on effectively implementing the Community Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP).
Expressing gratitude for NCMH’s collaboration, Governor Socrates and Program Director Rodriguez foresee enhanced capacity not only for SPS CARES employees but also for PWUDs communities in Palawan.
The collaboration, centered on shared expertise and training programs, anticipates a positive impact on addressing mental health challenges in the province.
“We look forward to fostering stronger ties with the National Center for Mental Health,” underscoring the collaborative effort’s potential to drive meaningful progress in Palawan’s mental health initiatives,” Rodriguez said.
The benefits of this partnership extend to Palaweños, promising increased accessibility to mental health services and a more responsive approach to the unique needs of individuals facing drug-related challenges.