HE LAW protecting mental health is being finalized at Baguio City’s seat of power.
Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales said the proposed ordinance was already approved on second reading for publication.
“Just waiting for it to be returned by the committee for second reading after publication then to schedule for public consultation,” added Orcales.
Orcales, along with Councilor Joel Alangsab, co-authored the new law that aims to provide counseling for those in need of medical aid and to enable them to go for treatment.
“Mental health is very important to the youth since we are now on flexible learning. Students may have difficulty in familiarizing themselves with being solitary at home and comprehending the contents of the modules. Also, the challenges of connectivity for online learning might add up to stress and anxiety among the youth learners," Orcales said.
Orcales noted that as reflected from their health data, roughly 20 already committed suicide, and among them, are the youth.
"[What is] more essential is that mental health programs in the city will be institutionalized, providing immediate and adequate services to the youth. There is peer pressure, the difficulty of coping with current situations and personal issues. Our youth can have someone to talk to and a public that is more aware of the implications of mental health. Also, to end the stigma and all forms of discrimination to the youth with mental health issues,” Orcales said.
The proposed ordinance, if approved, will be a joint task by the government and private sector in the hope to curb the sharp increase of cases of mental health issues.
Initial funding of P500,000 was proposed to be used by the City Health Office for capacity-building, as well as team-building and setting up a help hotline for those in need.
Since the quarantines imposed, there have been 14 suicide cases in Baguio City, making mental health a top concern in the mountain city.
“Our message to our fellow is simple. There is nothing wrong with asking for help about mental health. Help is just a call away. Ending your life doesn't answer all your problems. Moving and keeping forward is a better option, facing our problems in life together with our community. Walang maiiwan sa usapin ng mental health,” Orcales said.
For those seeking consultation about managing emotional distress or their children's behavioral concerns, one can contact SLU Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center at 446-5664 or 0915 541 5501.
For other mental health support services, one may contact the Philippine Mental Health Association Cordillera Chapter Inc. and the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Psychiatry Mental Health Support and Services through its Facebook page.
Helplines are also open in the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, the nearest police station, or the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera at 442-7917.