Cebu City is looking to expand its mental health services through the proposed hiring of 10 mental health professionals who will provide psychosocial support to vulnerable residents and counseling services for city government employees.
Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona filed two separate resolutions urging the Office of the City Mayor to facilitate the recruitment of one registered psychologist and nine registered psychometricians, subject to the availability of funds and compliance with civil service, budgeting, and auditing requirements.
Under the proposals, seven registered psychometricians would be assigned to the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS), while one registered psychologist and two registered psychometricians would be assigned to the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO).
The proposed expansion comes as the city government works to strengthen its mental health programs and institutionalize community-based and school-based mental health services.
For the DSWS, Abella-Cellona said additional mental health professionals are needed to improve the department’s capacity to provide psychosocial interventions, crisis response, mental health assessments, and community-based support programs.
The proposed seven psychometricians would assist in addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable sectors, including children, women, solo parents, disaster-affected communities, and individuals requiring social welfare interventions.
The resolution noted that DSWS serves as one of the city’s frontline agencies in responding to residents experiencing psychological distress and other social concerns, making additional trained personnel necessary for timely and effective interventions.
Once hired, the personnel would assist in psychosocial intervention, crisis response, assessment, referral services, and community-based mental health support.
Meanwhile, another resolution seeks the hiring of one registered psychologist and two registered psychometricians for the HRDO Counseling Room, which provides support services for city employees.
The proposed team would handle psychological assessments, counseling, psychosocial support, crisis intervention, referral services, mental health promotion, and employee wellness programs for Cebu City’s estimated 7,000 workers.
Abella-Cellona said the city’s growing workforce has increased the need for accessible mental health and counseling services within the local government.
Under the proposal, the registered psychologist would lead employee mental health and counseling programs, while the psychometricians would conduct psychological assessments, mental health screenings, referral coordination, documentation, and other functions allowed under Republic Act No. 10029, or the Philippine Psychology Act of 2009.
Both resolutions cited Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act, which recognizes mental health as an essential part of overall health and promotes accessible, community-based, and integrated mental health services.
The measures also cited Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandates local government units to promote the general welfare and provide basic social welfare services.
The proposed hiring remains subject to the availability of funds, Civil Service Commission rules, qualification standards, and applicable budgeting and auditing regulations.
The initiative forms part of Cebu City’s broader effort to strengthen mental health support programs.
Earlier this month, Abella-Cellona announced plans to institutionalize school-based mental health programs through the creation of a permanent Mental Health Council, standardized intervention protocols, and practical mental health education in schools.
The city is also proposing the creation of a mental health database, referral systems for students needing professional care, and a Parents’ Academy aimed at improving parental involvement in children’s emotional and psychological development.
Abella-Cellona earlier said the proposed Mental Health Council would be established through an ordinance to ensure the continuity of programs despite changes in local leadership.
If approved, the hiring of additional professionals would expand the city’s capacity to deliver mental health services to both vulnerable communities and its own employees.
Photo courtesy of New U Therapy
Comments