Mandaue opens mental health hotline

CEBU, Philippines — Mandauehanons will have better access to mental health care as the city government launches a dedicated hotline on September 10, 2026, coinciding with the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.

‎The Mandaue Heartline, established under the city’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO), will give residents with mental health concerns immediate access to trained psychometricians who can listen to their concerns, assess their needs, and refer them for further intervention when necessary.

‎SAMHSO head Niño Krisbayani Dargantes, in an interview yesterday, September 8, 2026, said the hotline was created in response to the need for residents to have someone they can turn to during difficult situations.

‎“Kasagaran gyud anila, naa gani mga problems nga wala silay kapagawasan. Majority gyud anila wala silay kastoryahan,” Dargantes said.

‎Dargantes said Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano had pushed for the creation of the service after asking how the city could better address suicide and other mental health concerns.

‎“Nanaghan gyud sila. Gi-ask ni Mayor, unsa may way nga ma-address ni sila?” he said.

‎Six psychometricians will handle calls to the hotline. Dargantes said the mayor wanted trained mental health professionals to respond to callers rather than simply assigning personnel to answer the phones.

‎“If ever there are problems when it comes to mental health problems, pwede ra man mo tawag didto sa Heartline para maka-assist. Naa man tay psychometricians nga maminaw regarding sa problem,” Dargantes said.

‎The psychometricians will assess callers’ concerns and determine whether they need further intervention. Those requiring additional care may be referred to psychologists and psychiatrists through the city’s existing network, such as the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

‎The hotline will have two dedicated mobile numbers.

‎Dargantes said the psychometricians underwent a one-week training conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) through the National Center for Mental Health. Personnel from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), City Health Office (CHO), and city hospital also participated in the training.

‎Aside from the hotline, SAMHSO is also bringing mental health advocacy activities to the 27 barangays. Dargantes said Mayor Ouano also wants the city’s mental health services to reach residents in the barangays rather than remain limited to City Hall.

‎“Usa sa iyang gusto nga ipabuhat sa amoa kay we have to go to the barangays for mental health advocacies. Mas maayo didto gyud sa community,” Dargantes said, noting the importance of bringing mental health advocacy closer to residents.

‎The Mandaue Heartline will officially begin operations with its launch on September 10, 2026. — (FREEMAN)