CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — September 14, 2026 — In a landmark initiative for mental health care in Central Luzon, the City Government of Malolos officially launched the KALMADO Project — Keeping A Level Minded Attitude Despite having Overwhelming Situation — the first holistic and sustainable mental health program in Region 3. The historic launch and Press Conference was held at the 4th Floor Auditorium of the New Malolos City Government Building under the theme “Panimula: Creating Champions on Sustainable Mental Health for the City of Malolos.”
Spearheaded by City Mayor Atty. Christian D. Natividad, the program is a collaborative effort between the City Health Office (CHO), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and NGO partner NM Arts Technology Institute and Community Development Center Inc., bringing proven expertise from successfully implementing similar mental health programs across 16 cities in the National Capital Region.
A Urgent Response to a Growing National Crisis
City Administrator Joel Eugenio, who represented Mayor Natividad, emphasized that mental health care is no longer a secondary concern but an urgent public health priority.
“Mental health must be given urgent focus not only here in Malolos but across the Philippines,” Eugenio stated. “We are seeing a rising number of mental health disorders and conditions that destroy lives — and we must act before they escalate to self-harm, suicide, or violence.”
The initiative comes amid alarming national figures: 7 million out of 12.5 million Filipinos are currently experiencing mental health conditions driven by profound sadness, loneliness, and isolation. The crisis is further accelerated by internet and social media usage, which significantly impacts mental well-being — particularly among teenagers, whose developing minds are especially vulnerable.
Prevention, Community Action, and Psychological First Aiders
Presenting the program framework, Ma. Cristina S.A. Bulaong, RN, Nurse IV and City Health Education Promotion Officer (HEPO), underscored that the program is built on prevention rather than cure.
At the core of KALMADO is the training of local residents to become Psychological First Aiders (PFA) — trusted community members trained to provide immediate, compassionate mental health support to fellow Maloleños. These volunteers will operate the city’s upcoming Mental Health Hotline, ensuring that help is always within reach and that community members support one another.
Full program operations are scheduled to begin in December 2026, following the completion of training for the first batch of PFA volunteers. Services will include free mental health consultations, educational seminars, and workshops open to all residents.
Officials, Health Experts, and Community Leaders Unite
The launch was graced by city officials, health professionals, and community advocates, signaling broad support for the initiative:
– Cherry Lou B. Aguirre, RN, Non-Communicable Disease Program Coordinator
– Dr. Cindy L. Canlas, MD, Department of Health – Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD)
– Dr. Frederick Cesar Irineo T. Villano, MD, MPA, City Health Office Head
– Lolita S.P. Santos, RSW, City Social Welfare & Development Office Head
– Ferdinand E. Durupa, RN, Chief of Staff – City Mayor’s Office
– Joel S. Euenio, City Administrator
– Councilor John Vincent G. Vitug III
– Councilor Miel Arthem B. Agustin
– Leng M. Nojadera-Luces, MA, Executive Director, NM Arts: KALMADO Project
– Hon. James Brian Dimagiba, Barangay Chairman of Catmon and recognized Health Advocate Champion — who affirmed the program’s vital role in bringing mental health awareness and services directly to the barangay level.
Healthcare experts and medical professionals from the city’s Rural Health Units (RHUs) also attended, committing to guide each community in identifying and responding to emerging mental health cases.
A Regional Benchmark
The KALMADO Project marks the beginning of a region-wide movement. Officials expect other municipalities and cities across Central Luzon to adopt the model, working together to reduce and eventually eliminate mental health struggles among the Filipino people. By turning stigma into support and silence into action, Malolos City sets a new standard for accessible, community-driven mental health care.
