HHISians provide ‘Mental First Aid’ to 169 fire survivors
While relief goods rebuild homes, it is compassion that rebuilds hope. This was the guiding principle behind Highway Hills Integrated School’s (HHIS) “Oplan RISE” outreach, which provided critical psychosocial support to 169 learners of Addition Hills Integrated School (AHIS) on Feb. 1.
Following the devastating fire in Block 36, Brgy. Addition Hills last January 19, organizers recognized that the student victims needed more than just hygiene kits—they needed a safe space to process their trauma.
Integrated into the relief operations, the Psychosocial Support Activities served as “mental first aid.” Volunteer teachers and the Hillsiders’ staff facilitated group sessions where the children were encouraged to express their emotions and share their experiences in a supportive environment.
“The goal is to ensure a learner-centered environment where they feel safe to return to normalcy,” explained Ma. Elizabeth T. Mateo, SPJ Coordinator and proponent of the project.
The sessions aimed to help the learners navigate the stress and fear caused by the sudden displacement. By validating their feelings, the HHIS team helped reduce the long-term emotional impact of the disaster.
The initiative, supported by Principal Efren S. Consemino and PSDS Anthony Augusto M. Garcia, highlights the school’s commitment to the holistic well-being of the learners—proving that in times of crisis, mental health is just as important as physical survival.
–John Jiro Miranda