Mending Minds: The Science behind Psychosocial Support
When a fire strikes, the heat and smoke are not the only dangers. For young survivors, the invisible scars of trauma can last long after the flames are extinguished.
This is why “Oplan RISE,” conducted by Hulo Integrated School on February 1, 2026, prioritized Psychosocial Support for the 169 fire-affected learners of Addition Hills Integrated School. But how exactly does this help?
Processing Trauma According to health experts, children exposed to sudden disasters like the January 19 Block 36 fire often experience “acute stress response.” This can manifest as anxiety, fear of loud noises, or withdrawal. The psychosocial activities led by the HIS team provided a structured outlet for “debriefing”—a psychological process that allows victims to externalize their trauma rather than bottling it up.
Restoring Safety The brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions, goes into overdrive during disasters. By engaging in guided group interactions and feeling the support of the Hulo Frontier staff and volunteers, the learners’ brains receive signals of safety. This helps lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and re-establishes a sense of security.
Holistic Recovery While the hygiene kits and towels distributed during the event addressed physical hygiene, the psychosocial sessions addressed “emotional hygiene.”
By combining material relief with mental health care, Oplan RISE successfully implemented a science-backed approach to disaster intervention, ensuring that the students of AHIS are equipped to recover both body and mind.
–Ma. Elizabeth T. Mateo