PLDT and Smart team up with Football for Humanity (FFH) to offer Psychological First Aid (PFA) training to football coaches. This initiative targets the multi-sectoral fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
The PFA training is designed to equip coaches, who are often first responders in their communities, with the skills needed to support children and youth experiencing psychological distress.
“Through this PFA training, we hope that our coaches will be able to provide a safe space by becoming a first line of support for the children and youth who may be experiencing mental distress due to their situation,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
FFH, an organization leveraging football to address social challenges, played a key role in this initiative. The training sessions were led by Riyan Portuguez, widely recognized as “Your Millennial Psychologist.” PFA involves offering practical care and support, helping individuals with their immediate needs, and providing a listening ear without pressuring them to talk.
“Given the persistence of OSAEC, the practice of Psychological First Aid has become increasingly crucial,” said Chris Thomas, founder and president of FFH. “Providing communities with these learnings allows them to manage high-stress scenarios, enabling them to address trauma effectively and promptly.”
“With this training, we will be able to become more effective coaches to the children and the youth as we cultivate a safe space for them,” said Senior Coach Floyd Jofferson Crisologo.