A team of 30 from the Philippine Guidance Counselors Association-Negros Oriental held a two-day debriefing for earthquake victims at the Jimalalud National High School, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental, recently.

Debriefing first aid is one of the efforts of the PGCA and the Department of Education-Negros Oriental Division, to help relieve the trauma of earthquake victims.

Guidance counselor Marichyle Pagulong-Lajato, of the Negros Oriental High School, said the debriefing first aid was done according to different categories. The children were asked to participate through art therapy, while the youth were exposed to other forms of art and a combination of music therapy.

The parents joined a group discussion, sharing and counseling.

Lajato said debriefing first aid is very important especially for those who lost their loved ones during the earthquake. She added it is one way of helping the victims express the feelings, emotions, and anxiety.

Some residents still refuse to return to their homes, because of fear that aftershocks will cause a tsunami and endanger their lives.

Other areas of Tayasan, La Libertad and Guihulngan will also undergo debriefing first aid but will have to arrange the schedule of the activity and availability of a venue, Lajato said.*AMA

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