Mandaue to launch suicide, mental health hotline

Local

TRAINED psychometricians in Mandaue City will soon be ready to take calls from residents on the brink of crisis.

The city will officially launch its own 24/7 suicide and mental health hotline on October 13, in time for its Mental Health Day celebration.

Atty. Ebenezer Daryl Manzano, head of the City Substance Abuse and Mental Health Office (SAMHO), announced the initiative during the World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration, which began with a Holy Mass at St. Joseph Parish and continued at the City Hall grounds.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano will lead the celebration and the hotline launch.

The hotline will operate from the City Health Department’s operations center, using a command center-style setup for fast coordination with emergency units such as the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and ambulance services.

Calls, which often last 30 to 40 minutes, will be answered by trained psychometricians.

Most calls are expected late at night, particularly after 10 p.m.

The city is finalizing the hotline number and aims to complete preparations before the official launch.

Manzano explained that if someone is in the middle of a suicide attempt but decides to stop, an emergency crew must respond immediately.

He said this is the reason the hotline was co-located—to ensure that the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and ambulance services can be dispatched without delay.

SAMHO data show that over 50 percent of residents seeking mental health assistance in Mandaue are aged 30 and below, with many falling under the youth category defined by Philippine law.

From 2022 to 2023, the city recorded 14 suicide-related deaths annually. As of August 2025, there have been nine deaths and 32 attempted suicides.

The city has strengthened mental health services through counseling, psychoeducation, community support, and partnerships with institutions such as the University of San Carlos.

A registered psychologist has been assigned to assist SAMHO’s operations.

Over 13,000 residents have participated in educational sessions aimed at preventing suicide and promoting mental health awareness.

Officials hope the hotline will give residents immediate, round-the-clock access to help during moments of crisis and strengthen the city’s response to mental health emergencies, particularly for the youth.(MyTVCebu)