ACRI Library
Filters
-
Mental Health
Policy Brief: Mental Health in Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte is a province in Mindanao which includes six municipalities that were randomly chosen to be part of the research sites of the mhPAD study. From the data collected, together with consultations with the provincial hospital’s lone psychiatrist, policy recommendations addressing gaps in the province’s mental health system are given, including: recognition of mental health as a public health priority through the development and strengthening of a provincial mental health program; strengthening of the operational management system in the provincial implementation of the mental health Medicine Access Program (MAP); and addressing and overcoming mental illness discrimination within communities.
By ACRI mhPAD Team
-
Mental Health
Ka-ginhawa: Building Resilient Communities through Inclusive Mental Health
Ka-ginhawa is a community-based mental health initiative supported by the Australian Government in partnership with CBM Global Disability Inclusion (CBMG) through Partnerships for a Healthy Region. The project is led by the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) in collaboration with the Balik Kalipay Center for Psychosocial Response (BKC).
By Patricia Burigsay
-
Mental Health
About mhPAD: going beyond the research
"About mhPAD: going beyond the research" is a write-up encompassing not just our research, but our collective insights gleaned through several months on the project.
By Dr. Dinah Nadera, Dr. Lourdes Bernadette Tanchanco, Dr. John Gabriel Hernandez, Monica Pacquing, Mikka Malonzo, Rissa Coronel, Chico Piedad
-
Mental Health
Mental Health Act Explainer
According to the World Health Organization, more than 400 million people around the world have a mental health issue that causes a significant impact on their lives. In the Philippines, we already have high rates of depression even before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why the passing of the Mental Health Act in 2018 was a huge step in addressing mental health concerns. This explainer shares important points that you need to know about the Mental Health Act.
By ACRI mhPAD Team, CBM Philippines, FYT Philippines
-
Mental Health
Mental Health Science Academe and Research Task Force Consensus Statements and Recommendations
This infographic presents a summary of the propositions and recommendations of the Mental Health Science Academe and Research (MHSAR) Task Force to the Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) in order to mainstream mental health in the educational system particularly higher educational institutions (HEIs).
By ACRI Mental Health Science Program
-
Mental Health
Rise and Thrive Program Team successfully concludes preparatory project design workshop
The Rise and Thrive: Building Resilient Communities through Inclusive Mental Health program in Fiji and the Philippines is a four-year regional program supported by the Australian Government through its Partnerships for a Healthy Region (PHR) initiative. Rise and Thrive aims to develop a model that improves the well-being of people with mental health conditions or psychosocial disability through improved community support, access to services, and systems that reinforce rights, equity, and inclusion. As part of its preparatory phase, the Philippines Project Team composed of lead implementing partner ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI), and co-implementing partner Balik Kalipay Center for Psychosocial Response, Inc. (BKC) underwent a three-day project design workshop. The workshop was facilitated by CBM Australia’s Senior Programme Coordinator Kirsten Bate with support from the Rise and Thrive Programme Team, Sucelle Deacosta, and Kyra Ballesteros. Through the workshop process, the team sought to develop the theory of change, its logical framework, and a collaborative action plan to guide the implementation of the multi-year program over the next four years in the country.
By
-
Mental Health
Policy Brief: Mental Health in MIMAROPA
Region IV-B is a region composed of islands. The municipality of Gasan in Marinduque was randomly selected as one of the research sites of the mhPAD study. From the data collected, together with consultations with the Regional Mental Health Coordinator, policy recommendations addressing gaps in the region’s mental health system are given, including: improvement in the capacity of primary care workers to provide mental health services; building of access to telemedicine services; establishment of an acute psychiatric unit in the region; and increasing of mental health literacy.
By ACRI mhPAD Team
-
Mental Health
Molecular and Clinical Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder (Phase II)
The Molecular and Clinical Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder (Phase II) is a research initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines. The project aims to deepen understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by examining both clinical presentations and molecular characteristics among Filipino children, while also strengthening tools used for early identification.
By Patricia Burigsay
-
Mental Health
ACRI Conducts Nutrition Focused Physical Examination Training to Advance Autism Research
ACRI conducted Nutrition Focused Physical Examination Training on June 18, 2025, as part of an autism research project comparing children with ASD to their peers. Led by Dr. Maria Christina Kristin S. Reyes, the training equipped researchers and student assistants with hands-on skills to conduct NFPE with children aged 5-9. The peer practicum component built clinical team capacity to accurately administer assessments for the research protocol.
By Patricia Burigsay
-
Mental Health
Strengthening Community Mental Health: mhGAP Training in Albay
From July 2 to 4, 2025, frontline health workers in Albay completed intensive mhGAP training under the Ka-ginhawa Project, a partnership initiative supported by the Australian Government, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, and the Balik Kalipay Center for Psychosocial Response. The three-day program equipped local providers with essential skills to assess and manage mental health conditions while strengthening referral networks across the province.
By Patricia Burigsay