The local government of Naga City has officially opened a permanent mental health hub to expand its localized counseling services and strengthen psychosocial support for its residents.
Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo announced the inauguration of the new facility, which will serve as the permanent headquarters for the city’s “ANGAT KAHIMATI” Mental Health Program.
The initiative was originally launched in 2024 through a collaborative effort involving the Angat Buhay Foundation—founded by Robredo after her term as vice president—Naga City Councilor Gayle Abonal-Gomez, and the Ateneo de Naga University Department of Psychology.
The program initially operated out of the former Angat Buhay office before transitioning temporarily to a room inside the Jesse Robredo Center for Good Governance.
Upon taking office as mayor, Robredo decided to institutionalize the initiative into an official city program and sought a dedicated, permanent location for counseling sessions.
“When I assumed office, we wanted to adopt it as a City Program and we wanted a more permanent and appropriate space for our Mental Health Counselling Sessions,” the Mayor stated.
The newly opened hub is established in the former “Green Room” on the third floor of the Raul S. Roco Library, a space previously utilized as an extension office for the mayor.
Robredo noted that the transformation and renovation of the area incurred no expenses for the city government.
“We were able to transform the place without cost to the City Government. Thanks to the Angat Buhay partners,” she added.
The Mayor also expressed her gratitude to the Ateneo de Naga University Department of Psychology, psychiatrist Dr. Apons Belmonte, and various other stakeholders for their continuous contributions to the project.
According to local officials, the new facility will significantly boost the capacity of the City Health Office II’s Mental Health Unit by providing a highly conducive and private environment for therapy and counseling sessions.