In pursuant with the 30 October, 2025 study visit from the delegation of the Provincial Government of Basilan, Philippines, to Universiti Malaya-Wales (UM-Wales) in Kuala Lumpur, the Faculty of Humanistic & Allied Science (FHAS), on 28 September, conducted online Psychology First Aid (PFA) workshop for officers of the City Government of Isabela de Basilan. It was facilitated by Dean of FHAS, Dr. Vishalini and Program Manager, Dr. Ahmad Syihan, focused on strengthening the capacity of City Government officers and community leaders to notice distress & respond supportively, and connect individuals with appropriate sources of help when required. PFA is not psychotherapy or professional counselling. Rather, it provides practical knowledge & skills that can help people to respond compassionately & appropriately when someone is experiencing distress. It emphasized on helping people feel safe, calm, understanding immediate needs for emotional practical support.
The PFA workshop was graced by Hon. Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, City Government of Isabela de Basilan and Prof Dr. Roselina Ahmad Saufi, Vice Chancellor & CEO of UM-Wales. Others in attendance were Dr. Wong Wai Wah, UM-Wales Director of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnership and Dr. Haji Zulkifly Baharom, CEO of Sejahtera Leadership Initiative (SLI).
I found that building upon this approach, an interactive online PFA workshop can be offered to relevant managers of public and private sectors, humanitarian volunteers, community leaders & can also be offered to university students, faculty, staff, and other interested participants. The workshop can equip participants with practical helping skills for everyday as well as crisis situations. Most participants may encounter peers experiencing work pressure, family difficulties, loss, interpersonal problems, accidents, emergencies or other distressing circumstances. PFA provides a framework for responding without attempting to become a therapist. Importantly, It also teaches the limit of informal helping in recognize circumstances requiring referral & additional professional assistance.
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