KIANGAN, Ifugao – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Ifugao Police Provincial Office launched an anti-suicide campaign called “Oplan pamhod hi biyag” (love/value of life).
The campaign aims to mobilize government agencies and other stakeholders to address the issue. Since January, eight have ended their lives mostly due to depression, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Miriam Baguidudol said.
Baguidudul said to abate suicide incidents, the PSWDO have partnered with pro-life advocates to help heighten the campaign on suicide prevention.
Vice Gov Glenn Prudenciano said the sangguniang panlalawigan will enact an ordinance supporting the advocacy and implementation of suicide-prevention campaigns.
Aside from allotting funds for the suicide prevention campaign, Prudenciano said the provincial government added a psychologist position under the PSWDO in the reorganization plan.
In Lagawe, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation has also launched a public awareness campaign on mental health and rape.
In a public briefing moderated by Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Martin Andanar, SKF president Aezle D. Dumangeng said apart from being part of the PSWDO’s suicide prevention campaign, the SKF is also encouraging fellow youth to discover or hone their skills or talents by joining an online contest in spoken word poetry, painting, and singing.
Another initiative is the 40-day online exercise challenge where the youth is encouraged to be physically active in their homes, which helps prevent depression. – PIA
April 19, 2024
