The current COVID19 pandemic has highlighted the mental health problems that has been affecting the Filipino population. Mental health is seen as the next pandemic resulting from COVID19.  As in previous humanitarian emergencies, the situation once again emphasizes the need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services and provides the opportunity to build back better. MHPSS services are integral to the response and recovery phases of this global public health emergency. 

The proposed study  aims to explore the various MHPSS services provided by individuals and  organizations in the Philippines in response to the COVID19 pandemic using the 4Ws (Who is Where, When, doing What in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) developed by the Inter-agency Standing Committee (IASC) Reference Group for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services. It is designed to identify (i) the key players in the delivery of MHPSS services including their clientele and/or institutional partners; (ii) geographical reach of their services; (iii) nature of cases handled, and(iii) the type of programs and/or services offered

In 2013, a similar research was done for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) which led to an in-depth analysis of MHPSS response in the country in several emergency situations, resulting in the development of the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 62 s.2017 National Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies and Disaster Situations. This was in coordination with the Department of Health and funded by UNICEF.