This document is based on the expressed need for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kumustahan sa Gitna ng Krisis or “Fostering Resilience in Times of Crisis” was conducted as a one-shot MHPSS intervention initially for the community first responders/frontliners of the Pasig City government. This was a joint effort of the Center for Disaster Preparedness with its partner and program designer, In Touch Community Services, Inc., together with the Pasig Adventist Community Service. Modifications have been made based on lessons learned from training activities conducted.
 
The Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, was selected to be among the pioneer members of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP). The APP initiative is supported by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). At the national level, APP led to the establishment of the Philippine Preparedness Partnership (PHILPREP), which brings together key humanitarian stakeholders such as the Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) for civil society and humanitarian organizations, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for the government, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) for the private sector.
 
This Trainer’s Manual is co-authored by CDP and In Touch Community Services, Inc. under the project “Strengthening Emergency Response Capacity of Local Humanitarian Actors in Asia” by the Philippine Preparedness Partnership (PHILPREP), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) through ADPC and APP.