CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga(PIA) -- The  Tabuk City  council moves to strengthen  comprehensive mental health care program following recent reports on rise of suicide cases in the city. 

The City Health Office (CHO) data show five suicide cases, and two attempted suicide incidents since January this year alone.

Hilda Adong of the CHO said their office also  received 28 mental illness cases reports in 2023.

As move, the CHO will intensify its information and education drive about mental health awareness, targeting schools since most of the suicide cases involved the young, Adong said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Ivan Yannick S. Bagayao introduced the "Tabuk City Mental Health Code of 2024” that seeks to provide a program on mental health protection, care, treatment and other interventions on mental illness or disability.

The proposed ordinance is supported by a recent national survey showing that mental illness is the third most common form of disability in the country, next to visual and hearing impairments. 

The survey also showed an average of 88 mental illness cases per 100,000 Filipinos due to hereditary, psycho-social and substance abuse.

Adong explained some causes of mental health issues. Unprocessed physical, psychological and emotional needs are possible root of stress that could lead to depression and anxiety. She cited the importance of support from family, friends, church and community to patients experiencing the condition.

Adong appealed for extra concern, and understanding on people suffering from mental health problems. (JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga)