Mental Health in Children (2022) was conceptualized by the International Affiliate Committee of the Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Inc to promote emotional well-being, identify and address mental health challenges early, provide support and coping skills, and foster a positive environment for overall mental health development. It helps create resilient, thriving individuals by addressing emotional needs and providing tools for navigating life’s challenges.  The International Affiliate Committee members consist of certified pediatricians of the Philippines and the United States of America. They are recognized specialists of the Philippine Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics respectively.  Project PAPA- Aruga was launched by the committee last July 2022. 

       

ARUGA is a Filipino word that means care. For the purpose of this project, the 1st letter of the outcomes expected among the primary recipients of this project also briefly describes their action plan-Aim to Recognize, Understand, Give Assistance to children with learning difficulties, developmental and behavioral issues to mitigate or prevent mental health problems in the future. 

 

PAPA-ARUGA project aims to empower teachers and teach them to recognize learning, developmental and behavior problems in the classroom, know how to manage them in the classroom and refer when appropriate.  Likewise, this endeavor hopes to provide parents a better understanding of the needs of children thru parenting sessions so they may be able to provide a nurturing environment in order to mitigate and prevent mental health problems in the future. 

 

CONTACT PERSON: 

Margarita Luisa Alfonso, MD

Email: papainc1994@gmail.com