June 10, 2026 — The city government under Mayor Benjamin Magalong continues to strengthen its mental health initiatives in the Summer Capital and is encouraging residents to seek professional support whenever needed.
Ricky B. Ducas Jr., head of the City Health Service Office (CHSO) Mental Health unit said the city provides year-round mental health services, including psychosocial support, crisis intervention, a mental health hotline, and the free distribution of selected psychiatric medications to ensure that residents have access to timely assistance.
Ducas noted a steady increase in the number of individuals seeking mental health services in recent years. He attributed this trend to growing public awareness about mental health, with more people recognizing the importance of seeking help rather than facing emotional and psychological challenges alone.
Among the common risk factors affecting mental health, he highlighted the significant role of family circumstances. Experiences such as parental separation, the loss of a loved one at an early age, and prolonged family separation can have lasting effects on an individual’s well-being. In the Philippines, where many parents work overseas for extended periods, some children grow up without consistent parental presence, creating concerns about their emotional and mental development.
Ducas said that stigma surrounding mental health remains a major barrier to seeking help. Many individuals choose to remain silent out of fear of being labeled as “problematic,” “abnormal,” or “crazy.” He stressed that mental illnesses should be treated with the same seriousness as physical illnesses and that seeking professional support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Suicide prevention remains one of the city’s key priorities. As part of its ongoing advocacy efforts, Baguio will host a Mental Health Summit on June 18 to promote greater awareness of mental health and suicide prevention through public education and community engagement.
“Mental health is not just an issue for a few people—it concerns everyone,” Ducas said.
Through strengthened family support, active community participation, and accessible professional services, the city continues to foster a more understanding, inclusive, and supportive environment for mental health and well-being. ** Enoch Guo, PIO-Baguio Intern/gabykeith
