The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), under the leadership of PCol Allen Rae Co, coordinated with the International Association for Human Values Foundation (IAHV Philippines) to conduct its 4-day healing, stress management and mental resilience training workshop called the SKY Resilience Program for the new graduates of the Cordillera police force who have tested positive for COVID-19 while undergoing their Field Training Program in the city. These law enforcers, tasked with the safety of the community, have been exposed to high-risk situations and high-stress conditions because of their civil duties.
The SKY Resilience Program was conducted virtually by IAHV Philippines’ Executive Director, Ms. Charmaine Cu-Unjieng, with the support of local and international IAHV trainers experienced in providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to defense and law enforcement personnel worldwide. The evidence-based breathing and relaxation techniques (SKY®) taught by IAHV Philippines has been shown in numerous scientific studies – most recent ones from Harvard and Yale – to significantly reduce anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress by 60-90% and boost the immune system, among other benefits (www.IAHV-research.org).
This is a significant first step in effectively addressing the mental health and psychosocial needs of our law enforcers thereby increasing their ability to focus, make good judgement calls and perform optimally. This is the first time that this program has been conducted for the police force in the country. BCPO is looking forward to continue the program with the rest of the law enforcers who are in need of this important intervention.
