Overseas Filipino Workers in Macau are getting support from a mental health app named “Kumusta, Kabayan” that was rolled out amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Users of the app can track their mental wellness by answering a series of health-related questions on a weekly basis.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced the OFW support app’s release on August 26, 2020.
The app was launched by The University of Macau (UM) and relief organization Caritas Internationale as part of their Health Connection Project aiding workers from the Philippines who have experienced physical or mental health challenges posed by trying times.
The Health Connection Project will be implemented until December to support the OFW community and improve their well-being. Filipino workers in Macau are invited to use the ‘Kumusta, Kabayan’ mobile app to help them understand and improve their health.
Kumusta, Kabayan uses a health intervention system to provide social services for Filipino migrant workers. The system was originally developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for populations with limited access to mental health services.
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in collaboration with UM successfully adapted the health app for Filipinos, while following the WHO’s guidelines. POLO affirms that the app has been helpful for users coping with stress and emotional disturbance.
Caritas Macau has been holding the health project every Sunday since August 9 in local churches, at its service center, or at the Philippine Consulate General in Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR).
OFWs in Macau can access the Mental Health app here.
The Philippines had earlier implemented a Mental Health act mandating mental health needs as part of the medical support given to Filipino workers.
Other initiatives have lent a helping hand to OFWs facing difficult times.
A tracking system was devised to assist Overseas Filipino Workers returning to the Philippines amid the pandemic.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and its remittance partners earlier waived remittance fees for OFWs sending money to their families amid the worldwide health crisis.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Overseas Filipino Workers as they get support from Mental Health app Kumusta Kabayan.
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