Comprehensive mental health crisis response program sought

CEBU, Philippines — While acknowledging the lack of human resources for mental health responses in the city, the Cebu City Council asked the Office of the Mayor to establish a comprehensive mental health crisis response program.

This request stemmed from various resolutions filed by Councilor Rey Gealon and were approved by the Cebu City Council's during its recent regular session.

Gealon filed the measures following reported cases of suicide attempts in the city -- one at an inn on Salinas Drive, Brgy. Lahug, Cebu City, on Tuesday midnight, Jan. 28, while the other incident happened in Mambaling Underpass in Brgy. Basak San Nicolas on the same date.

Gealon said such reported incidents of suicide attempts are "concerning, not only in terms of whether these individuals are aware of the available resources for mental health issues and concerns, but also in terms of the availability of resources to address these concerns."

The council, in approving the resolutions, emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive mental health crisis response program in Cebu City. This led to the request for the Office of the City Mayor to form such a program to respond to mental health crisis situations and provide immediate psychological first aid.

During the discussion, Councilor Joel Garganera mentioned that although there are existing measures being implemented by the City to support mental health, there is a need to strengthen these efforts.

He also referred to data cited in the newspaper regarding suicide cases: there were 43 cases in 2022; 40 in 2021; 18 in 2022; 62 in 2023; and 54 in 2024. As of January 2025, Cebu City has already recorded five suicide cases.

"So I think we also lack personnel, professionals, like psychiatrists and other behavioral specialists," said Garganera.

"We really need to be more extensive in our approach to these mental health cases," said Garganera.

In the same session, the council also approved a resolution to request barangay officials, through the Association of Barangay Councils, to display information on the available resources to address mental health issues and concerns within their barangays.

They also requested the City Health Department to conduct an information, education, and communication campaign on the available resources to address mental health issues and concerns, in response to the recent news of attempted suicides in January 2025 in Cebu City.

The council also requested the Department of Labor and Employment 7 to encourage employers to launch mental health programs within their companies to promote preventive measures and reduce stigma in the workplace.  JG (CEBU NEWS)