BAGUIO CITY – Multi-sectoral representatives from the city met recently at the Baguio Cultural and Convention Center to look over initiatives, advocacies and activities as to mental health awareness and crisis management.
The forum was led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio dela Pena, Health Services Officers, city and youth leaders.
Earlier, the mayor called for an emergency meeting due to a severe mental health crisis encountered with a youth involved. Data however reveals more numbers with mental health issues than what was previously known. There were 49 recorded suicide cases in Baguio in 2021 and 28 in 2022; with more males than females committing self-harm.
Acting on the information, the mayor directed that an action plan be implemented for community mental health through relevant activities such as peer counseling training, zero suicide campaign with posters and stickers in offices, schools, transportation terminals, grocery stores, waiting sheds and barangays.
Youth leaders have also tentatively set a mental health summit on April 27 and 28 with a target of 500 stakeholders; and later, mental health trainings, camps, diversion programs through sports, and social media postings. Youth spiritual sessions also would help in-depth soul searches for hope, personal peace and grace, Mayor Magalong and the other leaders agree.
The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation led by youth leader Levy Lloyd Orcales is currently lobbying for the approval of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the City Mental Health Ordinance.
The HSO mental health unit conducts psychosocial debriefing and de-stressing; while every health center has a focal person capacitated to use tools for the early detection of suicide and mental health concerns.
Last March 29, a privately-driven group with multi-sectoral participation from the Local Government Unit (LGU) met and presented a program proposal for a 24-hour crisis management center. The group has scheduled another meeting with more stakeholders to pinpoint focus and improvement areas towards the crisis management venue with its use offered for free.
On-going right now is a ten-module, three-to-eight month mental health coach training program with 40 attendees from the academe, youth, advocates, media personalities, retirees, health personnel, and government employees committed to promoting improved mental health for individuals and the city.
A practical application for mental health and coaching, the training is done in partnership with the HSO and the Emotional Reset Center.
From March 23 to 28, talks and lectures on psych services, resilience and support group sessions through the Philippine Mental Health Association, Baguio-Benguet Chapter were done on Z radio. IEC materials are prepared for inclusion at the Philippine National Police program “Tambuli.”
Health Services Office in-charge Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes made public year-round mental health services: helpline, psychosocial support for clients, medications when needed, radio and online campaign, mental health awareness talks, continuous education for mental health responders, coordination with mental health educators and facilitators.**JGF
