SU Typhoon Odette Initiative starts rehab efforts through PSP [#SUTyphoonOdetteInitiative Update]

The Silliman University Typhoon Odette Initiative shifts its efforts from relief operations to the rehabilitation of affected persons through the conduct of Psychosocial Intervention to the affected communities. 

Dr. Edna T. Calingacion, SU Psychosocial Processing (PSP) Core Team head and dean of students, said they are now seeking volunteers that they can train. 

“[Being able] to touch more people’s lives and help in the process of restoration and healing requires willing individuals, schools, and groups to work together for a common purpose,” added Calingacion.

Calingacion said the core team will first conduct the PSP session with frontliners (church workers, health personnel, disaster management personnel) from affected LGUs who have responded to the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.

At the same time, the team will train identified volunteers in the provision of PSP in their respective localities. Frontliners who went through the PSP can join the training.

Calingacion said SU will also train new volunteers from the faculty, staff, fourth-year students, church members, and alumni as well as to conduct re-orientation of its available PSP volunteer pool.

Silliman University volunteers during the University’s relief operations.

Collective effort

As a long-range plan, SU will partner with schools in Dumaguete City to respond to the need of providing psychosocial intervention to eight municipalities identified by the SU PSP Core Team: Guihulngan City, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy, Manjuyod, and Bais City.

It is envisioned that each school will take care of one municipality.

SU plans to be the training hub in the city for the capacity-building of PSP volunteers. The objective is to share PSP experiences, help organize their own institutional PSP Program, and recognize that schools working together can achieve more.

“Given the extent of affected areas, the number of volunteers available, and the threat of COVID-19 infection, there is a need to rethink the delivery and conduct of the PSP,” said Calingacion.

The first part of the training (theory part) will be delivered virtually. For the skill-building/workshop component of the training, SU trainers will go to the partner schools.

The training is initially set on January 17 to February 12, 2022 for the training of volunteers and organizing of school PSP Programs; February 14 to March 12, 2022, for the simultaneous conduct of PSP by the different schools in assigned LGUs; and on March 14 to end of April 2022 to conduct the PSP as needed. 

SU is still accepting cash and in-kind donations for this initiative. To donate, read: https://bit.ly/SUOdetteInitiative. Online donations are also accepted at: https://givenow.su.edu.ph/give-to-community-engagement/ (Choose “Continuing Calamity Response Program” in the given options).