Due to recent spate of suicide cases
21 March 2023 – Members of the Baguio City Mental Health Council held an emergency meeting to plan measures to address the increasing number of suicide cases in the city.
The meeting led by City Health Services Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and other members of the council including representatives from the academe and mental health advocates agreed that there is a need to strengthen peer counselling programs especially for high schools and colleges.
The council will lead capacity building sessions and expand peer counselling membership in the academe to involve students of allied health in the implementation of programs related to mental health.
Dr. Brillantes pitched for the revival of the Bonjing Project of the city government where teachers serve as mental health advocates and help in peer counselling. The Bonjing project started in 2004 with five modules on public health and is now being implemented through an online platform.
“Perhaps it’s time to expound the Bonjing project focusing on substance abuse and mental health facts,” Brillantes said.
She said the module included suicide talks with the CHSO and had saved three students who inquired through the internet regarding suicide.
The council also recognized the need to review school policies on mental health to come up with information, education and communication (IEC) materials not only to address mental health concerns that led to depression and suicide but also to inform learners and teachers of the different ways on how they can take care of their mental health.
Furthermore, the council also saw the need to educate parents on mental health and reduce stigma by integrating the topic during meetings of the Parent Teachers Association.
Other plans also include the utilization of social media through the posting of created IEC videos and podcasts for mental health awareness.
A Crisis Center focused on mental health is also in the plans as offered by Mr. Orly Cuesta to the Office of the City Mayor.
The council is committed to continue to discuss and adopt best practices on mental health programs to further improve strategies in addressing mental health concerns and promoting the well-being of the people of Baguio City.
Here are the helplines to call in case of emergency: CHSO – 0919 069 6361; Mental Health and Wellness Unit – (074 ) 661 7910; Baguio General Hospital & Medical Center Psychiatric Department – 0919 207 0736; Benguet General Hospital & Medical Center Psychiatric Department – 0917 899 8727, 0966 351 4518, 0908 639 2672; National Center for Mental Health – 0995 093 2679, 0918 402 9832; Philippine Mental Health Association Cordillera Chapter Inc.- 0917 517 2083 and (074)442 2337.
Also, the city government’s 911 hotline is available to call 24 hours a day in case of emergency. ** JMPS
