DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- The Davao City local government and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA)-Davao Chapter are working together to raise public awareness  and strengthen mental health and psychosocial program.

This move is in response to the increasing cases of suicide here.

In a virtual press conference organized by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XI, May 22, PMHA-Davao Chapter consultant Precious Manliguez revealed that last year, the city recorded 55 cases of suicide, with men accounting for 90% of these incidents. 

She said PMHA is now advocating for research to understand the high rate of self-harm among men in Davao City to address the alarming mental health situation here.

Manliguez attributed some of these tragic incidents to social media and peer pressure that often led teenagers to engage in risky behaviors such as bullying, substance abuse, and self-harm.

In 2019, Davao City approved a mental health ordinance that encourages implementing programs in workplaces, schools, and communities. The ordinance also requires establishing a dedicated unit within the City Health Office to monitor mental health initiatives. 

This year, the City has also approved an anti-bullying ordinance authored by 3rd District Councilor Enzo Villafuerte.

As part of their efforts, PMHA has launched the COVID-19 Online Psychosocial Support program, which offers free online counseling services even to non-Davao residents. 

The initiative began in 2021 and has partnered with local testing centers to provide affordable services not covered by the psychosocial program.

Manliguez urged individuals experiencing mental distress or those uncertain about their mental health to seek professional help and avoid self-diagnosis. 

To access support, PMHA invites the public to visit their Facebook page at PMHA Davao Chapter. 

She emphasized the organization's commitment to helping those in need, noting that  "mental health is everybody's business. However, those who are suffering mental health concerns, you are not alone in this. PMHA is here, and we are here.”  

She also announced that PMHA's program had extended its reach to Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro regions. (Arquilian Agustin/OJT/PIA Davao)