ROXAS City – The city government, through the Roxas City Council for the Protection of Children, launched a multi-platform mental health support line dubbed “KaEstorya Multi-platform Mental Health Support Line.”
“During the pandemic, nakita naton nga cases of suicide are increasing. There is a need to address the problem immediately, not to mention ang mga problem sang abused women and children,” said Mayor Ronnie Dadivas during the launching.
“KaEstorya” is a local wordplay that means someone to talk to.
The city mayor considered this a milestone, especially since Roxas City is facing alarming statistics of suicide.
“Luyag naton masolusyunan ini nga problema pinaagi sa isa ka emergency helpline nga magasabat sang report, panawag, text, pati chat sang mga nagakinahanglan sang bulig sa ila mental health problems kag sa mga biktima sang pagpang-abuso. Magaserbi man ini nga suicide prevention helpline nga handa maka-estorya sang mga indibidwal nga may problema kag wala sang masugiran,” Dadivas added.
City Health Officer Dr. Lory Cahilog said the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive support and assistance to Roxas City residents facing mental health challenges.
Those seeking help may reach out through the Roxas City KaEstorya Facebook Page and hotline numbers 0966-493-1178 (Globe) and 0985-384-3678 (Smart).
The services will be open to the city’s residents and other municipalities in the province.
“Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and we understand the significance of addressing it with the best care and urgency,” Cahilog stressed.
Roxas City has a suicide rate of 6.2 percent per 100,000 population, which surpasses the provincial average of 2.4 percent, Roxas City Health Office (CHO) data showed.
In 2022 alone, Cahilog reported that Roxas City logged 12 suicide deaths, or 80 percent of the 15 cases in Capiz province.
This year, as of the present, the city has already recorded two suicide deaths.
“These figures demand our immediate attention and joint efforts to save lives and promote mental well-being,” she emphasized.
She added that while the Roxas City Government has been providing services for women and children through the City Social Welfare and Development Office and CHO, they acknowledge the need for a separate program specifically addressing suicidal ideation.
Meanwhile, Dadivas acknowledged the support and collaboration of the private sector, the academe, and other stakeholders in realizing the program.
“Bukas ang aton linya sa tanan nga nagakinahanglan sang KaEstorya. Ang aton mental health practitioners kag mga eksperto handa sa pagpakig-estorya sa inyo face-to-face, panawag, text ukon chat. Ginasiguro namon nga ang inyo ma-estoryahan magapabilin nga confidential,” he added. (With reports from Merlinda Bagnate)/PN
