BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has teamed up with two non-governmental organizations, Love Yourself and Bridges of Hope, to expand access to mental healthcare in the Philippines.
The move aims to address the significant challenges faced by Filipinos struggling with mental health issues, including high costs, limited professionals and social stigma.
“At BingoPlus Foundation, we believe in ‘multiplying the good’ by forging meaningful partnerships that create real impact,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, executive director of the foundation. ]
“By combining our resources, we can strengthen our shared mission to make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their location or circumstance,” she said.
A journal published in Acta Medica Philippina in 2024 reported that more than 12 million Filipinos suffer from depression and anxiety. According to the National Institute of Health, the country has only two to three mental health workers available for every 100,000 Filipinos.
The foundation teamed up with Love Yourself to launch EmbracePLUS, a free helpline serving as a critical first-response system for mental health issues.
The helpline, which became fully operational on Oct. 1, combines Love Yourself’s Embrace Virtual Hub, an online platform for immediate support, with the foundation’s KalusuganPLUS community-based mental health training program.
EmbracePLUS offers assessments and first aid assistance daily from 12 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through dedicated hotlines (Smart: 09082352351, Globe: 09563921924). Telehealth associates trained to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) and counseling support staff the service. A 24/7 assessment feature via the EmbracePlusPH Facebook page is also in development.
The foundation cemented the partnership with a renewed P500,000 commitment to support the specialized training and operations of the EmbracePlus hub.
“Beyond amplifying awareness, BingoPlus Foundation’s support helps strengthen our capacity for responder training and operations, ensuring our programs are not only immediate but also sustainable,” said Dr. Vin Pagtakhan, founder and executive director of Love Yourself.
For long-term support, the foundation is working with Bridges of Hope, which operates one of the country’s largest networks of private rehabilitation and recovery centers for addiction and mental health problems.
Camins-Wieneke said the foundation is helping “amplify the capacity” of Bridges of Hope centers by donating equipment, including laptops, printers, televisions, and musical instruments, which she called “instruments of healing, learning, and hope.”
“By working hand in hand with BingoPlus, we can ensure that those who need support have access to the right resources and that our gaming environment is all safe and enjoyable,” said Jon Ty, chairman and chief executive of Bridges of Hope.
The foundation said its initiatives reaffirm its commitment to mental health awareness month and to restoring the well-being of Filipinos struggling with mental health challenges.
