CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) – The National Youth Commission (NYC), in partnership with the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), gathered youth leaders in Northern Samar for a Kumustahan Mental Health Youth Camp at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol.
The Kumustahan Mental Health Youth Camp aims to foster mental health awareness among young people, improve their self-awareness, resiliency, and well-being amid challenges, and enable them to promote positive mental wellness.
Ronald Gian Cardema, the chairperson and chief executive officer of the National Youth Commission, spoke before Northern Samar Youth Leaders during the Kumustahan Mental Health Youth Camp at Ibabao Hall, Catarman, Northern Samar. (Photo: PIA Northern Samar)
The event offers a variety of activities such as porcupine mapping, basic psychological first aid, break-out sessions for sharing, orientation on Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA), drug use prevention towards a drug-free Philippines, empowerment to become an advocate of mental health wellness, and other related topics.
Gov. Edwin Ongchuan mentioned that mental health and wellness are crucial concerns that need everyone's attention.
Based on the Philippine National Police’s report, there has been a rise in the number of suicides in the province. In 2021, there were 10 cases; in 2022, there were 18 cases; and in 2023, there were 27 cases. Of the 55 cases, 33 were aged between 13 and 30.
Ronald Gian Cardema, the chairperson and chief executive officer of the National Youth Commission, affirmed this concern as he shared before the attendees that, in a national gathering of youth groups and leaders, it was revealed that the number one concern of youth these days is mental health.
Catarman Municipal Youth Development Officer Maynard Erl John Alvarez (right) was interviewed by an NYC facilitator during the Kumustahan Mental Health Youth Camp at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, Northern Samar. (Photo: PIA Northern Samar)
Cardema also reiterated that for the youth to be the hope of the land truly, they should focus on nation-building activities.
The Sangguniang Kabataan should be mobilized, as mandated by the government, to lead the youth in community building.
“We are very thankful for this activity as it empowers us to become agents of social change and empowerment, especially among the Sangguniang Kabataan, who are policymakers in their respective barangays. Thank you for this opportunity; it was informative and engaging,” said Catarman Municipal Youth Development Officer Maynard Erl John Alvarez.
The event was attended by approximately 100 Municipal Youth Development Officers and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders. (AND, PIA Northern Samar)
