“Number of people with mental health concerns is increasing, we need psychiatrists’ - Kalinga PHO II Dr. Tandingan

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Recognizing the need for a mental health specialist, the Provincial Government of Kalinga is eyeing the hiring of a psychiatrist who would be based in the province to address the mental health conditions and concerns of iKalingas.

The plan has been one of the key discussion points of the Provincial Health Board in the first semester of 2026, as it works to provide quality healthcare services, including access to specialists within the province.

In an interview, Kalinga Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ed Tandingan revealed that there is currently a lack of adequate human resources to address mental health concerns in Kalinga.

Tandingan explained that while midwives, nurses, and medical doctors are present in the province, they are not specially trained to handle mental health conditions in the same way that psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychometricians are.

“Even if we have nurses, midwives, and doctors, we are not fully equipped or capable of handling people with mental health issues and concerns,” he said.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses using a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and other medical interventions—highlighting the importance of having one based in the province.

When asked about the mental health situation of iKalingas, Tandingan noted that measuring mental wellness is complex and influenced by many factors. However, available data from the Provincial Health Office recorded six suicide cases and two attempted suicide incidents from January to April 10, 2026. He emphasized that these figures do not fully capture the situation, as they only reflect reported cases.

“With the increasing number of people experiencing mental health concerns, we really need a psychiatrist. Not only a psychiatrist, but also health workers specialized in handling mental health issues, such as psychologists. We have only a minimal number of psychologists and psychometricians,” he added.

Tandingan said the provincial government is currently exploring funding sources for the plan and is also looking for a qualified psychiatrist willing to practice in Kalinga.