THE Iloilo Provincial Government will strengthen its programs to curb the rise in youth suicide in the province.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said he will meet with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to discuss programs that need to be created or improved.
"We want to zero in as to whether these programs are really effective to our youth," he said.
The governor noted that the teen centers proved to be an effective program of the province through guidance counseling and personality development activities.
There are already 63 established teen centers in 42 towns and one component city, based on the data of the Provincial Population Office.
Fifth District Board Member Carol-V Espinosa also proposed an ordinance providing for mental health program and delivery system in the province. It pushes for the creation of a Mental Health Board, establishment of a 24/7 hotline to respond to emergency crisis, and promotion of mental health awareness, among others.
Record from the Iloilo Provincial Police Office revealed that there are 67 suicide cases in the province from January to September 2019. Of the total cases, 22 are aged 10 to 19.
Only 65 cases of suicide were recorded in 2018. (PR)