SAN JOSE, Antique – As of yesterday, Antique recorded only five cases of suicide in the 10-to-19-years old age bracket since the beginning of 2020 – down from nine such cases recorded in the same period last year.
Family problems mostly drove the victims to end their lives, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
“So far, wara pa man kita ti reported nga suicide case nga cause modules or online class,” said Frances Corvera Delos Santos, focal person of the PHO’s Adolescent Health and Development Program.
There are various concerns due to challenging situations brought by the pandemic like the remote learning set-up and the conduct of online classes. This prompted the PHO to strengthen its mental health awareness campaign among adolescents.
“Naga-collaborate kami with stakeholders on suicide prevention, especially sa mga adolescents. Kaimaw ka Population Office gina-tap ang mga peer educators in different municipalities para mag-counsel sa anda mga kaimaw nga mga bata,” said Delos Santos.
She noted that “kalabanan sa mga bata wara ga-open up sa mga ginikanan ka problema nanda kag mas gusto pa nanda mag-share sa mga peers nanda.”
Delos Santos emphasized the importance of parents or guardians being knowledgeable of the signs and symptoms of an adolescent having suicidal tendencies.
“Sa mga ginikanan, palihog check gid sa inyo mga kabataan from time to time. Storyaha man sanda, kamustahon ta man sanda kapin pa sa pag-eskwela nanda,” said Delos Santos. (AJPMG/PN)
