The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has underscored the need for mental and physical fitness programs to promote the well-being of public officials and employees.
CSC Chair Karlo Nograles, in a recent statement, said said such programs will help ensure a healthy and productive workforce.
Under CSC Resolution 1901265, the Guidelines on the Development of a Mental Health Program (MHP) in the Public Sector promulgated on Oct. 23, 2019, state agencies are mandated to craft and implement their MHP to promote overall mental wellness and provide an inclusive, conducive and supportive work environment for public officials and employees.
The resolution, anchored on Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act of 2018, was disseminated through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 4, series 2020.
The model MHP cites physical fitness, team building, regular stress management, organized peer counseling, support groups, interest groups, and continuing mental health awareness and education activities as activities to be conducted.
“The CSC recognizes the importance of taking care of employees’ physical and mental wellness to effectively fulfill their duties,” Nograles said.
Sports tournaments intend to strengthen camaraderie, sportsmanship and solidarity; and promote an active and healthy lifestyle among all CSC officials and employees, he added.
Government employees identified with mental health issues should be provided with intervention, treatment, referral and reintegration. In cases of life-threatening situations or traumatic experience, work, or non-work related, debriefing interventions are deemed necessary.
Likewise, government agencies are tasked to integrate mental health in human resource development and management policies and programs. ####
