Town leads therapeutic initiative for Mayon evacuees

By Cyryl L. Montales

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Local Government Unit of Daraga initiated the “Arangkada Banwa” - a stress reliever program for Mayon evacuees on Friday, June 23 at various evacuation centers in the said municipality.

The said initiative was spearheaded by Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo together with the Youth for Arangkada Banwa (YABA) and Municipal Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (MTCAO) personnels.

‘’Nilibot ta an satun na mga evacuation centers (EC) para ilansar ang Arangkada Banwa Stress Reliever Program na makapagtaw ning simpleng kaogman sa satun na mga evacuees (We visited our evacuation centers to launch the arangkada banwa stress reliever program which aims to give a simple enjoyment to our evacuees),’’ Baldo said.

The government intervention for Mayon evacuees is not limited only in providing the evacuees relief goods but is also geared towards addressing their mental, physical, and emotional needs.

‘’We will have an Evacuation Center (EC) Aral Booth, EC Amusement corner and EC grooming station with a variety of activities,’’ Baldo said.

Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo discusses the stress reliever programs availlable to evacuees to appease their situation in evacuation centers. (Photo courtesy of: Mayor Awin Baldo)

Some activities are story-telling, movie watching, family team-building games, parlor games, got talent activities, zumba, free haircut, manicure or pedicure, livelihood or skills training and others.

Baldo noted that even hotel passes are provided to couples for their privacy.

‘’I know that this situation is difficult [for the evacuees] that is why we want it to lighten up [to] be active and normal their lifestyle in evacuation centers,’’ Baldo said.

Maintaining cleanliness

To maintain the cleanliness in evacuation centers, Baldo initiated a contest for the evacuees.

‘’We will conduct a contest for the cleanest room and evacuation center,’’ Baldo cited.

The price will be Php 1,000 to Php 10,000 to those who will qualify to the said criteria.

‘’This is my way of rewarding them, because if our place or environment is clean it is better, specially we can avoid sickness (among the evacuees),’’ Baldo said.

Fun learning

Albay Governor Edcel Grex Lagman commended the Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office (PYSDO) for their initiative to address the psychosocial needs of children evacuees through their program. This is also in line with the celebration of Pride month with the theme,’’Sarong karampag para sa Sarong Komunidad (Isang Kumpas para sa isang komunidad).’’

‘’We must always remember that the natural state where children learn most is in a “state of play”,’’ Lagman said.

The provincial government of Albay has organized activities such as games and distribution of toys to the evacuees.

Lagman noted that playing is one of the special needs of the evacuees other than receiving food packs.

He also thanked the LGBTQA+ groups in Albay for their partnership with PSYDO and for their service and contribution to guarantee that the children in evacuation centers are attended and cared for.

‘’More games that stimulate mental and physical health of children will be undertaken and more toys will be distributed to them in the [upcoming] weeks,’’ Lagman said. (PIA5/Albay)