By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ — Sixteen suicides have been recorded in Capiz from Jan. 1 to Sept. 10, 2024, according to the Capiz Provincial Police Office (CPPO).
In response to the alarming number of cases, the Department of Health (DOH) hosted a Suicide Prevention Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Veronica Hotel in Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City.
The event coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day and aimed to highlight the importance of mental health awareness.
The forum was organized by the Capiz Provincial Health Office (PHO), in collaboration with local doctors, media partners, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Capiz.
According to data from the Police Regional Office 6, 199 suicides were logged in Western Visayas from January to June 2023.
Negros Occidental reported the highest number of cases with 53, followed by Iloilo Province with 52, Aklan with 25, Capiz with 21, Antique with 14, Iloilo City with 13, Guimaras with 12, and Bacolod City with 9.
During the forum, experts discussed the warning signs of suicide and ways to prevent it. Suicide is a significant public health issue with long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.
The good news, experts emphasized, is that suicide is preventable.
Prevention strategies are needed at every level of society, including individual, family, and community interventions.
Promoting resilience, learning the warning signs, and fostering social change can help prevent suicide.
Those in need of mental health services may call the following:
DOH WV CHD Mental Health Program
Smart: 0998 532 4047
Facebook Page: MH Connect/Facebook
Iloilo Provincial Health and Social Welfare and Development Offices (PRIME)
Smart: 0998 539 6704/ 0946 539 7929
Globe: 0915 542 6885/ 0977 122 0327
Aklan Provincial Health Office
Smart: 0970 599 9734
Antique Provincial Health Office
Smart: 0928 341 8475
Globe: 0966 166 5255
Capiz Provincial Health Office
Smart: 0921 991 2064
Globe: 0916 241 1596
lloilo City Health Office
Landline: (033) 315-3012
Facebook Page: lloilomhpss
Negros Occidental Health Office
Globe: 0965 982 1851
Smart: 0961 572 9197
