In a bid to strengthen community support and health interventions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Team Singko organized a training session on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) awareness for 23 participants from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), and local daycare centers. Held at the CSWDO Building in Legazpi City, Albay, the session equipped participants with essential training and information to effectively manage psychosocial issues and HIV within their communities.

Facilitated by Ms. Myra Joy Pobocan, DSWD’s Focal Person for People Living with HIV (PLHIV), alongside Team Singko members Jindra M. Refil, Marian T. Monsalve, Michelle Rebato, Harry Jay Daet, and Arlene C. Fabellare, the training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of psychosocial challenges and enhance their response skills.

The session covered the impact of HIV on individual and family well-being, detailed the PFA framework, and included practical role-playing exercises. This hands-on approach allowed participants to effectively apply PFA principles in real-life scenarios, improving their ability to support those affected by HIV and other psychosocial challenges. The initiative sought to achieve several key objectives, with a primary goal of providing accurate information on HIV/AIDS to reduce fear and dispel misinformation within the communities they serve.

It emphasized the importance of connecting PLHIV to enhanced services and advocating for better access to care and support systems. Another key objective was to empower duty bearers, particularly CSWDO staff, with the skills necessary to provide PFA, as regular exposure to clients’ trauma can lead to empathy fatigue among service providers. By learning PFA techniques, stakeholders can safeguard their emotional well-being, enabling them to remain effective in their roles while managing their own mental health.

The discussion established clear learning objectives to guide participant engagement. By the end of the training, participants were expected to define PFA and understand its role within emergency response, as well as its significance in mental health and psychosocial support. Role-playing and review exercises offered opportunities to simulate real-life situations, helping them internalize key principles.

A notable moment during the program came from Dr. Cecille of the CSWDO, who expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating, “I am thankful that you are holding this activity because it saves us from the expense of inviting resource persons.” Her comment underscored the practical benefits of the session for the local government unit, highlighting the value of in-house training and capacity-building efforts for service providers.

The workshop’s success emphasizes DSWD’s commitment to empowering local stakeholders to deliver effective and compassionate services. As communities face increasingly complex challenges, the ability to provide Psychological First Aid and accurate information on HIV is vital. Participants left the workshop with enhanced knowledge and skills, better prepared to support vulnerable populations in their communities.

Team Singko’s initiative reflects DSWD’s proactive approach to building resilient communities through education, training, and support. By strengthening the capabilities of local duty bearers, the department ensures that critical services reach those in need, fostering a healthier and more informed society.