THE Philippines needs to strengthen mental health services to address the loss of thousands of lives from suicide, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said yesterday as the country joined the observance of the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day.
As part of efforts to promote greater awareness and compassion for individuals needing help with their grief, the CHR said society and the government need to work together “to dispel myths, break stigma, and nurture conversations rooted in openness, empathy, and support.”
It noted that based on records of the Philippine National Police, there were 2,000 deaths attributed to suicide recorded in the first six months of the year alone.
“Behind these numbers are lives lost and families left grieving. This alarming reality underscores the urgent need to strengthen mental health services in the country, expand awareness programs, and dismantle the stigma that too often prevents people from seeking help,” the Commission said.
Affirming the stand that mental health is not a privilege but a basic human right, the CHR assured members of Congress of support for various bills promoting mental health.
These include Senate Bill No. 2598 or the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Services Act, and House Bill No. 163, or the Mental Health and Digital Well-Being for Youth Act of 2025.
The CHR also lauded House Bill No. 890 recommending the creation of mental health centers in every region; House Bill No. 1888, or the National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Response Program; and House Bill No. 1891, or the Accessible and Age-Appropriate Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents Act.
In the interest of workers, the CHR likewise lauded House Bill No. 1890 or the Mental Health and Burnout Prevention in the Workplace Act, and Senate Bill No. 323, or the Mental Health Wellness Leave Act, which recognize the importance of safeguarding workers’ well-being.
For the benefit of working mothers, the CHR likewise recognized the significance of family-centered support through House Bill No. 1853, or the Additional Maternity Leave for Women with Postpartum Depression Act.
To address the shortage of mental health professionals, the CHR also urged support for House Bill No. 2710, or the Psychology Scholarship and Return-Service Program.
“On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we renew our call: end the stigma against mental health. Every act of compassion helps build a society where seeking help is safe, hope is restored, and every life is valued,” the CHR said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health asked local government units (LGUs) to strengthen their campaign against suicide, especially among the youth, by enhancing their peer support group programs.
“Through peer support groups, the youth have a safe space, where they are heard, understood, and become part of an inclusive and equitable community,” the DOH said in a social media post.
The DOH national assessment of the mental health literacy of Filipinos showed that two of every three Filipino youths are willing to seek help during times of challenges.
The health department said its Peer Support Groups Playbook could prove helpful to LGUs in combating suicide.
At least 50 provincial at city-wide health systems, the DOH said, have adopted the playbook which “includes training for peer facilitators and educational materials to further open up the issue of mental health to the youth.” – With Gerard Naval
