Employee session links climate impact with mental health resilience

CLIMATE-RELATED events and their adversities have a profound impact on the mental health of many Filipinos, especially among agricultural workers and those living in vulnerable communities. Hence, mental health care should be accessible to all members of our society, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The need becomes more urgent considering the findings of a Philippine Mental Health Association Inc. study that say that there is a severe shortage of mental health professionals for every 100,000 Filipinos.

These were the issues raised by John Jamir Benzon Aruta, associate professor of psychology at De La Salle University in an employee learning session held by life insurer Pru Life UK. Aruta, an expert on environmental psychology, as well as mental and planetary health, discussed the intersection of climate change and health in the PRUCommunity Day, Pru Life UK’s employee gathering that celebrates diversity and promotes a sense of belonging and inclusion.

The company’s Climate and Health Session integrates climate education into community-based financial programs, prioritizing mental well-being. The climate-smart insurance products aim to bolster financial resilience during climate-related health crises, bridging crucial gaps in community preparedness.

John Jamir Benzon Aruta, associate professor of psychology at De La Salle University. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pru Life UK’s 2021 pioneering study, “How Climate Change Will Impact Filipino Health in the Next Decade,” highlighted proactive measures to mitigate climate change’s looming health effects. Planetary health expert Renzo Guinto, who led the study, underscored the importance of financial security and mental health interventions as critical adaptations to a changing climate.

Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s vice president for government relations and sustainability, reiterated the company’s dedication to “creating sustainable solutions that address both financial and health challenges posed by climate change.” Their initiatives make “financial and health solutions accessible to all Filipinos, ensuring they are equipped to face the future with resilience and confidence.”