CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched its Mental Health Wellness Program on October 21, here with AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. The program is a key initiative aimed at promoting mental health awareness, resilience, and holistic well-being among AFP personnel.
The Mental Health Wellness Program, dubbed as "Troop Resilience, Optimum Performance, and Awareness and Access" or TROPA, is part of the AFP’s broader efforts to enhance the physical, emotional, and psychological welfare of its personnel. It will include access to mental health services, counseling, stress management programs, and awareness campaigns designed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the military.
In his keynote speech, General Brawner emphasized the importance of mental health in ensuring mission readiness and overall force effectiveness. “Our mental well-being is just as crucial as our physical health in accomplishing our duties. Through this program, we aim to provide our personnel with the necessary support to cope with the unique challenges of military life while fostering a culture of care, understanding, and resilience.”
The AFP Mental Health Wellness Program will also focus on training military leaders to recognize signs of mental health concerns and provide immediate support and intervention. This proactive approach aims to create a more supportive and responsive environment for AFP personnel across all levels of the organization.
The launch of the program underscores the AFP’s commitment to holistic care and the long-term health of its personnel, ensuring that soldiers remain mentally and emotionally equipped to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting the nation.
(Photo by SSg Ambay/PAOAFP)