The Provincial Government of Pampanga has officially opened the Pampanga Provincial Care and Counseling Center, a dedicated facility providing mental health, psychosocial, and counseling services for Kapampangan youth facing anxiety, stress, bullying, abuse, family problems, and other personal challenges. Carrying the message "Abe, Kamusta Ka?" , the center aims to be a safe space where young people and their families can find guidance, care, and support.
A Safe Space for Kapampangan Youth and Families
The newly inaugurated center is located behind the OFW Hospital in Barangay Sindalan, City of San Fernando, and will operate through a referral system involving schools, barangays, and partner agencies . This ensures that clients receive appropriate interventions tailored to their needs. Services include counseling, psychosocial support, psychiatric care, psychoeducation, prescribed medicines, and referrals for social welfare, medical, legal, and livelihood assistance . This holistic approach means that young people and their families can receive comprehensive care addressing not just mental health, but also social and practical concerns.
The facility is a key component of the broader Alagang Kabataan Provincial Inter-Agency Coordinating Council, which was also launched recently. This council brings together key agencies including the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), and various other national government agencies to safeguard the welfare, safety, and mental health of learners across Pampanga's 617 public and 153 private schools.
Multi-Sectoral Support for Long-Term Impact
The Care and Counseling Center is the result of strong collaboration between multiple national and provincial agencies. Key partners include the Department of Health (DOH 3), Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH), and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) for health and medical support; the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD 3), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for social welfare and rights; the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 3) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) for labor and disaster response; and the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) for education. This multi-agency partnership ensures that the center can address the various dimensions of a young person's well-being.
Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda emphasized that the initiative reflects the province's commitment to ensuring that every Kapampangan youth has access to care, protection, and support . The provincial government also plans to introduce sports and youth development activities as part of its efforts to promote mental wellness and provide positive outlets for young Kapampangans . This proactive approach signals Pampanga's dedication to building a resilient and healthy future generation.
