Pru Life UK Launches Climate and Mental Health Resilience Program in Cotabato City

The Philippines remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events like typhoons, floods, and droughts affecting millions of people every year.

Rural and farming communities are hit the hardest, as these disasters not only disrupt livelihoods and destroy homes but also increase mental health challenges. To address these pressing issues, Pru Life UK recently conducted a session in Cotabato City to highlight the critical intersection of climate change and mental health, focusing on building community resilience.

The session, attended by around 50 staff members from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), emphasized the need for practical strategies and interventions to support communities facing the emotional and mental toll of climate-induced disasters. The program offered valuable insights on how to strengthen resilience and improve mental health outcomes in the face of extreme weather conditions.

“Climate change is no longer just an environmental concern—it has profound implications for public health,” explained Dr. John Jamir Benzon Aruta, Associate Professor of Psychology at De La Salle University. “The stress and trauma caused by climate-related disasters can have long-lasting effects on mental well-being, which is why it is crucial to incorporate psychological and community-based interventions.”

The attendees, including both permanent and contractual staff of the Statutory Committees Support Service (SCSS), shared their personal experiences of the psychological impacts of climate change. Many expressed a strong desire to apply the knowledge gained during the session to improve local policies and programs aimed at enhancing the mental health and resilience of vulnerable communities.

Abdel Jamal Disangcopan, Director of SCSS for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing both climate change and public health challenges. “This collaboration reinforces the need for joint efforts to develop policies and programs that strengthen resilience and safeguard the well-being of communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.”

Pru Life UK’s commitment to supporting climate and mental health resilience was reiterated by Atty. Paul Mandal, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer of Pru Life UK. “At Pru Life UK, we actively engage with various stakeholders to advance our climate and health advocacy. By equipping communities with the knowledge and tools they need, we can promote resilience and financial security—key components of climate adaptation,” Mandal stated. “Our goal is to empower individuals and inspire collective action toward a healthier, more sustainable future.”

For more information on Pru Life UK’s sustainability initiatives and programs, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph.