Cebu City dads push for mental health laws enforcement

Local

THE recent spate of suicide attempts in Cebu City within the span of a few days have sparked renewed urgency among local leaders to address growing mental health crisis.

One man, devastated by a breakup, locked himself inside an inn room in a desperate attempt to end his life.

Meanwhile, another individual stood at the Barangay Mambaling underpass, struggling with similar dark thoughts.

These incidents have brought to light the pressing need for effective mental health interventions in the city.

In response, the Cebu City Council on February 12 passed several resolutions urging Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to take immediate action on long-standing mental health ordinances that have yet to be fully enforced.

Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos led the charge for the swift implementation of three critical measures.

These include the establishment of Barangay Behavioral Health Units, the creation of a behavioral health facility at Cebu City Medical Center, and the launch of a student assistance program in public schools.

Councilor Rey Gealon underscored the need for a mental health crisis response program to provide immediate psychological first aid.

He noted that the two suicide attempts within such a short period serve as a stark reminder of the growing mental health challenges in Cebu City, where many residents either lack awareness of available resources or find them insufficient.

The council also urged barangays to display mental health hotline numbers in public areas, listing contacts for the National Center for Mental Health, Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center’s Behavioral Sciences unit.

Additionally, Gealon called on the City Health Department, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health to step up awareness campaigns, especially targeting students.

The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas was also asked to encourage local businesses to implement workplace mental health programs, aiming to broaden access to support.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the City Health Department and the Department of Social Welfare and Services, including the hiring of a psychologist, but stressed the importance of sustained and expanded mental health interventions to meet the growing demand.

Meanwhile, Councilor Joel Garganera raised concerns over the city's shortage of mental health professionals.

Despite existing policies, he warned that mental health support remains largely theoretical and is not yet accessible to those in urgent need.

Although Cebu City has had some policies in place, such as the 2017 Barangay Behavioral Health Unit Ordinance, which mandates crisis intervention and referrals at barangay health centers.

Also, the 2023 Behavioral Health Unit Ordinance, which requires Cebu City Medical Center to provide short-term stabilization and therapy services, these measures have not been fully implemented.(MyTVCebu)