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Written by Atty. Rico J. Caraos, MD

Category: News and Events

Published: 24 September 2025

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On September 17, 2025, the grounds of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) were filled with a spirit of renewal, pride, and hope as the institution inaugurated its state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Facility and a new building in the Forensic Psychiatry Complex. The occasion was not only a celebration of infrastructure but a reaffirmation of NCMH’s mission to provide compassionate, accessible, and dignified care to persons with mental health conditions.

A Historic Milestone

As the Masters of Ceremony reminded everyone, “Today, we celebrate not just an inauguration, but also a renewed commitment to mental health care and forensic psychiatry in our country.”

The MRI facility, conceptualized in 2021, is now a reality; thanks to the dedication of NCMH leaders and the support of government partners. For years, patients had to be referred to neighboring hospitals for imaging needs. Now, NCMH can deliver life-saving diagnostics within its own grounds—bringing services closer, faster, and with greater dignity.

Equally significant is the new Forensic Psychiatry Complex, envisioned as a safe and respectful environment for persons with mental health conditions in conflict with the law. This facility is designed not just as a place of care, but as a symbol of justice, rehabilitation, and human rights.

Words of Commitment and Hope

NCMH Medical Center Chief, Dr. Noel V. Reyes, underscored the deeper meaning of the day:

“Our opening of the MRI Unit and the forensic facilities marks more than the completion of buildings. It signifies hope, progress, and a stronger commitment to the people we serve… These facilities are living proof of our belief that mental health care must be integrated, advanced, and accessible to all Filipinos.”

Secretary of Health Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, in his keynote address, highlighted how science and compassion must walk together:

“By investing in this state-of-the-art technology, we ensure that every patient receives not just care, but the right care. MRI will allow us to distinguish between psychiatric and neurologic conditions, guide life-saving treatment, and restore dignity to patients who, for long, have suffered in silence.”

He further emphasized the importance of the new forensic facility:

“The establishment of forensic facilities here at the National Center for Mental Health demonstrates our commitment to truth, human rights, and dignity. Science and compassion must work hand-in-hand to heal the mind and uphold justice.”

A Sacred Duty 

In her heartfelt message, DOH Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo Maestral called the work of NCMH staff a sacred mission:

“Your work, often challenging and heart-wrenching, is a beacon of hope. It restores lives, strengthens families, and builds communities grounded in compassion. The fight against mental illness is also a fight for the soul of our society.”

Her words resonated deeply with service users and employees alike, validating the tireless, often unseen sacrifices of those who serve on the frontlines of mental health care.

Testimonies of Partnership

Representing the Multi-Sector Governance Council, Dr. Christopher Hernandez reminded everyone that mental health work is rooted in both professional duty and personal passion. Dr. Hernandez shared what began as a simple vision in 2019—“a meeting of the minds”—grew into a lifeline during the pandemic.

He affirmed:

“As helping professionals, we are the beacon of hope of those who are unloved and abandoned by society… Let every day in our lives be a celebration of love that is wonderful, magical, and magnificent… The enduring partnership with NCMH continues to inspire volunteerism, compassion, and resilience…”

Such partnerships affirm that the work of mental health care does not rest on one institution alone but thrives through unity, shared purpose, and the courage to care beyond boundaries.

Looking Ahead

Closing the ceremony, Dr. Beverly Azucena, Chief Medical Professional Staff for Hospital Services, framed the inauguration as both a culmination and a beginning:

“The introduction of our MRI facility marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards providing comprehensive and precise diagnostic services. The expansion of our forensic facility likewise illustrates our steadfast commitment to pursue the best services for all those needing care. We believe that mental health is for all.”

She expressed gratitude to the NCMH family, partners, and—most importantly—the service users whose trust strengthens the institution’s resolve:

“Kami pong mga taga-loob ay naniniwala na bawat Pilipino ay dapat may ginhawa sa isip at damdamin.”

United for Mental Health

Aside from Secretary of Health Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa and Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral, the inauguration was also graced by Assistant Secretary Albert Francis E. Domingo and Hon. Neptali “Boyet” M. Gonzales II, former representative of the Lone District of Mandaluyong City. The presence of the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) reflected the breadth of support for this milestone, with representatives including Dr. Leonar Cabral-Lim (Philippine Council for Mental Health), Dr. Jasmine Vergara (Technical Officer for Mental Health, WHO–Western Pacific Region), Dr. Atsuro Tsutsumi (Regional Advisor, WHO–Western Pacific Region), Dr. Christopher Hernandez (President, Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, Inc.), and Ms. Lawrence Joy De La Fuente (Co-founder, #MentalHealthPH).

Institutional partners were also acknowledged, among them Atty. Lawrence Villanueva, Procurement Legal Consultant, as well as the Commission on Audit team led by Supervising Auditor Ms. Amela Castro and Audit Team Leader Ms. Carmen Ramos.

Above all, the heart of the celebration belonged to the NCMH family—its Executive and Management Committee, together with the Ad Hoc Committee for the Inauguration of Facilities. The program was warmly hosted by Ms. Naty Jean Ebay and Atty. Jose Marie Iporac, while Rev. Fr. Arnel Calata Jr., NCMH Chaplain, offered the blessing. The solemnity of the moment was uplifted by the moving music of the NCMH Band and Choir, whose voices carried the spirit of hope and unity across the halls of the institution.

The inauguration of the MRI Facility and Forensic Psychiatry Complex stands as a beacon of healing, dignity, and justice. For the employees of NCMH, it is a validation of years of hard work and sacrifice. For service users and their families, it is a promise that their voices are heard and their dignity upheld.

In the words spoken throughout the day, one truth rang clear: Sa Bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay ay mahalaga.