Cebu Technological University (CTU) has taken a decisive step toward advancing community‑based mental health legislation by formally presenting a proposed measure that recognizes Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as vital frontline advocates for psychological first aid and grassroots mental health support.
Leading this initiative, Dr. Jabin J. Deguma of CTU met with Hon. Dee J. Villanueva, Chief of Staff to First District Representative Hon. Rhea Mae A. Gullas, during a courtesy visit at the First District of Cebu Satellite Office in UV Minglanilla Campus on July 22, 2026.
The consultation underscored CTU’s commitment to institutionalizing mental health frameworks that empower local communities. By positioning BHWs as recognized partners in mental health care, the proposed legislation seeks to strengthen grassroots capacity, ensure accessible psychological support, and align with national priorities for inclusive health governance.
By presenting this policy proposal to the congressional office, the university seeks to bridge the gap between empirical academic research and progressive health legislation, ultimately requesting the official endorsement and legislative sponsorship of Congresswoman Gullas in the House of Representatives.
The proposed House Bill serves as a policy extension of the substantial empirical milestones achieved by Project TINDUG BHW (Tawag INisyatiba, pangalagaD inUbanag Gugma alang sa Barangay Health Workers).
This initiative represents a rigorous, three-year community extension program conceptualized and executed under the auspices of Cebu Technological University’s Graduate Degree in MA and Doctor in Guidance and Counseling Program.
The foundational architecture of the draft legislation is heavily informed by extensive field implementation data, a copyright-registered specialized training manual, and peer-reviewed, published research findings.
Together, these academic outputs deliver robust evidence demonstrating that localized health workers, when equipped with systematic psychological toolkits, serve as an indispensable triage system for addressing psychological vulnerabilities at the municipal and barangay levels.
During the academic-legislative dialogue, Dr. Deguma detailed the community-based framework of the bill, illustrating how the integration of BHWs into the broader mental health landscape maximizes state resources while ensuring immediate, culturally sensitive psychological interventions.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to review the empirical data and statutory mechanisms required to successfully navigate the legislative pipeline.
Through the strategic partnership between CTU’s distinguished academic faculty and the leadership of the First District Congressional Office, the initiative signals a unified resolve toward evidence‑based governance and the holistic strengthening of public healthcare delivery across the Province of Cebu.