Prioritizing Teachers’ Mental Health with Iloilo Cuarto Distrito Katatagan Program

Cultivating mental resilience in educational institutions, the Office of the Congressman of the 4th District of Iloilo spearheaded the Iloilo Cuarto Distrito Katatagan Program that concluded last March 21, 2024.

The initiative, spearheaded by Rep. Ferjenel Biron and personally funded by the Biron family, was attended by 1,115 educators from different municipalities and the component city of the 4th District of Iloilo.

With the theme “Celebrating Strong Minds and Building Resilience in our Public Schools,” the Katatagan Program aims to strengthen the mental well-being of teachers, school heads, public school district supervisors, schools division superintendents, and focal heads. It is in collaboration with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Mindstrong and the Department of Education – Schools Division of Iloilo.

Congressman Ferjenel Biron, accompanied by Barotac Nuevo Mayor Bryant Paul Biron, DepEd VI Regional Director Dr. Ramir B. Uytico, and Founder and President of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Mindstrong Ms. Jean Goulbourn graced the graduation ceremony of the participants that was held in Tamasak Arena in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

“You must be proud. Kayo lang ang district, I think sa buong Pilipinas, na may training na ‘to,” Dr. Ramir B. Uytico told the participants during the ceremony.

Participants were in a safe space to discuss mental health and were provided with tools and training in tackling work-related stress. With the insights gathered, this will create a positive classroom atmosphere that fosters superior learning and teaching dynamics.