Project Highlights
The project had two parts: 1) the modification of the Katatagan Manual into a version
that is appropriate for low literacy level users and 2) the intervention and training of thebarangay health workers (BHWs) in the Katatagan Program. The first part of the project
involved consultation meetings on October 20 and 23 among local mental health professionals
and community workers. The consultation discussions focused on the principles and ways ofdeveloping educational materials that are appropriate for low literacy level persons and how tomodify the Katatagan manual according to those principles. Adjustments were made in theterms, phrasing, and formatting of the manual to accomplish this purpose. The simplified
version of the Katatagan manual was then translated into the Waray dialect.
The second part of the project consisted of two parts: the intervention and training ofbarangay health workers (BHWs) in the Katatagan program on November 19-21, 2014. Twenty
eight participants (15 from Tolosa municipality and 13 from Tanauan municipality) attended theactivity. The intervention part started with a quick assessment of participants' resources anddifficulties using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Beck Depression Inventory, Brief
COPE, and Anxiety Scale. Results of the assessment revealed that most of the participants werehaving difficulties dealing with negative thoughts and emotions. This led the facilitators todecide on using Module 4 (Managing Thoughts and Emotions) of the Katatagan as the focus andstart-off point for the intervention although it was agreed among them that materials from theother modules can be used whenever they see the need. The fourth module taught theparticipants important principles regarding the relationship between thoughts, emotions, andbehaviour and it included developing and practicing skills to deal with negative thoughts andemotions. The other modules dealt with other concerns such as evaluating problems andpossible solutions, identifying and connecting with social support and setting personal goals. In
addition to going through the module/s the participants were also encouraged to makeappointment with any of the facilitators for individual counselling if they felt the need for one.
Some of the cases brought to individual counselling were domestic violence, personaldifficulties at home, and difficulties at work.
The training required the participants to study a module that they were assigned tofacilitate with their assigned group. All the participants were provided with a copy of thesimplified manual in their local dialect, worksheets and materials that they might need in
facilitating the module. They were also given time to read, practice, and consult with thefacilitators regarding their tasks. The participants were all very cooperative and enthusiastic
throughout the training. All of them recognized the value of the Katatagan program andexpressed hope that they will be able to help the people in their communities with what they
have learned. The facilitators' common observation was that most of participants needed moretime to study the Katatagan manual, more opportunities to develop facilitation skills, andassistance in running the modules. It is our hope and wish that there will be more funds to run
training and workshops to follow up and further enhance the knowledge and skills of the firstbatch of BHWs and to train more batches of BHWs.