Cebu City backs mental health advocacy

CEBU, Philippines — As nearly 700 people gathered for the sixth edition of the “Superheroes for Mental Health World Mental Health Day Cosplay and Dance Fuzion Marathon,” the Cebu City government reiterated its support for initiatives that encourage open conversations about mental health.

Councilor Nice Archival, speaking on behalf of Mayor Nestor Archival, expressed the city’s commitment during the event, which was dedicated to fitness, cosplay, and mental health advocacy, on October 5 at a mall in Cebu City.

Zumba enthusiasts and cosplayers, along with psychologists, medics, coaches, and volunteers, gathered for the annual activity.

Archival said being a hero does not necessarily require superpowers. She noted that simply being present, listening without judgment, and reminding someone that they are not alone can already make a difference.

“Sometimes, being a hero simply means being there for someone, listening without judgment and reminding them that they are not alone,” the councilor said.

“May we continue to create a community where talking about mental health is welcome,” she added.

Event organizer and head coach Heno Rey Sanico Chin said the activity was more than a fundraising event, emphasizing the role of ordinary people in helping others despite their own challenges.

“This is more than just a 100 percent fundraising. True heroes do not just wear cosplay capes, they also help others despite challenges of their own,” Chin said.

Chin said proceeds from the event will support the programs of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), including efforts to provide mental health services to communities and interventions for people needing professional support.

For this year’s advocacy, he said the organizers aim to deploy professional guidance counselors to far-flung barangays to provide free mental health care for young people from elementary through senior high school.

The event featured Zumba and dance performances, with participants wearing superhero, fantasy, magic, and Halloween-inspired costumes.

Chin said the sixth edition marks the final year of the event’s cosplay-themed celebration.

Next year, the World Mental Health celebration will shift to a themed Masquerade Charity Dinner, which will include a Zumba after-party with a live band.

The advocacy will continue to be supported by PMHA, exZyt Cebu, the Autism Society of the Philippines, and other partners.

Chin thanked the Cebu City government, corporate partners, organizers, volunteers, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative through the years.

“Together, we are turning active movement into lasting hope for our children,” Chin said.

Archival ended her message with a reminder that people do not have to wait for the perfect moment to begin healing.

“Dili ka angay maayo para magsugod, pero angay ka magsugod para maayo,” she said. — (FREEMAN)