Research within reach: Bulacan PWDs engage with findings on mental health and well-being
“Makakatulong po ba ang inyong research sa pagbibigay ng masusing programa para sa ating local government dahil ngayon po patuloy ang paggawa ng polisiya at programa sa mental health?“
The question came from Kiko (not his real name), one of the participants in the Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines’ (DOST-NRCP) outreach program, “Abot-Agham para sa mga Kababayang may Espesyal na Pangangailangan,” held at Bulacan State University (BulSU) on July 2, 2026.
His query echoed the concerns of many persons with disabilities (PWDs) who attended the activity. Beyond learning about research, they were curious to know whether there are sufficient studies that could help improve the government programs and services they rely on, particularly those supporting mental health and overall well-being.
“Oo. Base sa aking research, mas magiging epektibo ang mental health services kung maiintegrate ito sa iba pang serbisyo tulad ng livelihood, educational support, at iba pang programa ng local government at national government,” responded Dr. Alwin C. Aguirre, an NRCP member and one of the resource persons.
Drawing from his study, Reclaiming the Narrative: Online Discourses of Post-Pandemic Futures, Dr. Aguirre explained that discussions about life after the COVID-19 pandemic often focused on health, governance, and the economy. However, his findings also point to the importance of placing people’s well-being at the center of recovery efforts and ensuring that sectors facing greater challenges, including persons with disabilities, are included in planning and decision-making.
Dr. Aguirre also emphasized that accessible mental health services, strong community support, and inclusive public policies are essential to helping communities recover from crises and become more resilient.
The discussion was complemented by another study that highlighted how personal experiences can guide the design of more responsive public programs. Dr. Gloria Luz M. Nelson, also an NRCP member, shared insights from her research, The Stories of Filipino Pregnant Teenagers and Teenage Mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Dr. Nelson’s study focused on adolescent pregnancy. However, she noted that many of the challenges experienced during the pandemic were also encountered by other sectors, including persons with disabilities. These were the limited access to support services, social isolation, and emotional stress. Understanding these lived experiences, she said, helps policymakers and institutions develop programs that better respond to the diverse needs of communities during emergencies and recovery.
Both researchers explained how research provides evidence that government agencies can use to strengthen mental health services, improve community-based programs, and develop policies that better address the needs of persons with disabilities.
Participants ask questions and exchange ideas with researchers during the outreach program, Abot-Agham para sa mga Kababayang may Espesyal na Pangangailangan, at Bulacan State University (BulSU) on July 2, 2026. The discussion gives persons with disabilities an opportunity to explore how research can help inform mental health services, community support, and government programs that respond to their needs.
Government programs available to the participants were also shared by the Council’s partner agencies. Representatives from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office-Persons with Disability Affairs Office – Bulacan (PSWDO-PDAO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Regional Training Center III (TESDA-RTC III), and the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) – Bulacan introduced their agency services. These range from skills training and livelihood opportunities to social welfare assistance and science-based community activities.
For Kiko and other participants, the outreach provided an opportunity to further learn how research on mental health and the vulnerable sectors’ well-being can enhance the development of social services.
The outreach activity was part of NRCP’s continuing science communication efforts to expand research accessibility, especially for underserved sectors. The event also supported and advocated for informed policymaking and the development of more inclusive government programs. (Rose D. Dagupen // S&T Media Services)
