KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato took a significant step to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services after the Manual of Operations for the Special Drug Education Center SDEC is completed, reinforcing its Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. access to responsive public service.
The manual, developed through a collaborative effort between the SDEC Team and its Technical Working Group, establishes a clear framework that will guide the center’s direction, systems, and procedures in delivering services to adolescents, young adults, and community members. The initiative reflects the province’s continuing push to institutionalize programs that directly respond to the growing need for mental health care at the community level.
During the development process, key inputs and recommendations were gathered from stakeholders to ensure that the manual remains relevant, practical, and grounded in real community needs. Structured learning sessions were also conducted to deepen the team’s understanding of mental health and psychosocial well being, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to provide effective and compassionate support.
The activity culminated in a workshop where the draft manual was carefully reviewed, enhanced, and finalized through group discussions and breakout sessions. Members of the Technical Working Group and the SDEC Team worked together to validate policies, protocols, and procedures, ensuring that all components are aligned with the center’s goals and responsive to its target beneficiaries.
Sonia Bautista, Provincial Welfare and Development Officer emphasized that the finalized manual will serve as a critical tool in standardizing service delivery, improving coordination, and ensuring that clients receive timely and appropriate care. It also reinforces accountability and clarity among service providers, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for individuals seeking support.
The initiative forms part of the broader governance agenda of Governor Tamayo, which prioritizes people centered services and inclusive development. By strengthening systems that support mental health and well being, the provincial government continues to uphold its commitment to delivering the right and efficient services to every South Cotabateño.
With the operational framework now in place, the SDEC is expected to further enhance its role as a reliable support system within the community, ensuring that no individual is left behind in accessing essential mental health services.
