Pangan: Mental health: a cause for serious concern

TOO many Filipinos are experiencing mental health illness, but the real figures are not yet known.

The illness may have been caused by the deprivations of the present pandemic, lack of basic necessities and gnawing hunger.

Poverty in the Philippines is widespread and is deeply rooted in government neglect, a task which should have been prioritized and given attention and focus but unfortunately, is given the least attention and care.

Despite some measures instituted so far by the national government such as the Ayuda program and the ambitious Bayanihan 1 and 2, Filipinos are still mired in poverty, debt and unspeakable hunger which lead to loss of mental stability for some and utter hopelessness for others.

***

Since the allure of Election 2022 beckons, some enterprising politicians are beginning to introduce vote-getting gimmickry and give band-aid solutions to poor and gullible voters.

The massive inoculation program has been resorted to as a means of vote-getting. There are more methods of getting the nod of voters and the politicians surely know these.

***

In the deeply divided United States, the Republicans are giving the new President Biden constant headaches due to their opposition to bills introduced by the new president, such as the infrastructure bill.

If the opposition by the Republicans goes on interminably. then all the programs of President Biden will face rough sailing and be thrown into the dustbins of history.

***

Again, in the US, hate crimes and mass shootings are prevalent.

White supremacists abhor Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Hispanics and other races of color which is why President Biden called for an end to hate crimes and mass shootings. Still, these continue despite admonitions from the top executive in the country.

***

Here in our country, the people are confused with the uncalibrated response of our national officials to issues involving health protocols, vaccines and quarantine classifications. Whatever, the nation is faced with dwindling resources and a weakening economy.